Battleship trip #5

Today we went back see the Battleship USS Alabama. It was a good uneventful trip and Christopher had been wanting to back since our 4th visit. It was a cool day, which was nice, because it is a long walking tour up and down ladders and stairs. Anyway, we had a great time at the Battleship Park and at Bass Pro. If you have never been to a Mega Bass Pro, I recommend it. Large arcade and a really good restaurant.

 

The new 9/11, Operation Iraqi Freedom/ Operation Enduring Freedom Memorial at the Battleship Park.

Soldier's cross.

Christopher with the USS Alabama behind him.

Christopher on the deck of the Battleship.

If you go back to trip # 1-4 you might find a picture of Christopher and this large round and you can see how much he has grown.

The USS Alabama is the only tour that comes with break beds.

The beds look a lot bigger when he is on them.

Stop taking pictures and move it.

A picture of me with Mobile, Alabama in the back ground.

Here I am trying to figure out how to start this puppy.

On the deck of the USS Drum, which is a submarine.

See more of those tour beds.

I know this one will not move, it is dry docked.

This is why we come back, the USS Drum's control tower is now open to tour.

Coming down from the control tower. It is my size, not so much so for Daddy.

Here I am at Bass Pro. That is an albino catfish behind me.

How is it they have a fish tank bigger than most peoples swimming pools.

A look back over the store from the waterfall.

One of the arcade games, it is a cool target practice game.

Here I am being an angle hoping to wrangle a good dessert out of Daddy.

Daddy and I, before the meal.

 

Like I said, it was a good father and son trip. We both enjoyed it and look forward to trip number six. If you visit before we head west we would glad take you on trip number six.

Update on Chimge (With a little then and now)

Like the title says here is a update on Chimge's deployment. She is doing well and has surpassed the 50 day mark, which puts here 1/4 of the way through her order. She is doing well and keep busy with 80 hour work weeks. She continue to run in the morning and has been doing a lot of virtual races. Her spirits are high and she really appreciates all the care packages she has received.

 

This picture was taken in 2013 on her first deployment.

Roughly two years later and a different time of day, but the same spot.

Chimge with one co-worker doing Nurf preperations.

The Quick Reaction Force (QRF) during the holidays.

Chimge enjoying dinner at a Turkish Restraunt.

Turkish Food

Sharing the spoils of war. Some of the many care packages sent to the troops.

 

As I said, Chimge is doing good. If your friends on face book with her you can get more pictures and much more timely up dates. Thank you to all who have written her or sent a package and for your continued prayers for her safe return.

Christmas in January (At least that is when we posted the pictures)

Yes, it is Christmas in January. Like most things I am supposed to do in a timely manner, I fell short. I am over it and I hope you are too. We had a very nice Christmas, less the fact Chimge was in Afghanistan. However, she was on the phone as Christopher opened his presents and like most small children thanked Santa Claus repeatedly. He will only be young once, well Christopher will be a Young for life, but you know what I meant.

The scene after Santa Visited.

Christopher with his Zombie Strike Crossbow.

PJ's, you can never have to many.

A Lego knock off battle ship which Daddy will have so much fun putting together.

Grandma and Grandpa got him his first C3PO/ Star Wars Shirt, which he wore to

"The Force Awakens".

More Lego's from Aunt Doreen.

 

 

Here is a gift from Mommy, got me 1700 more Lego's!!!! Awsome!

A remote control crazy car from Aunt Arleen.

 

The whole treasure trove after everything was open.

 

Here is the Battle ship on Christmas Day. Assembled, several hours later.

 

 

It was a great Christmas morning for his fifth Christmas. Next year, we will celebrate in California or somewhere in between. No matter where we are it will be more special, because Chimge will be home!

My friend Amir and I hung out

Since I am not in school, due to the holidays (Yeah Christmas!!), we have to fill our days doing something. I have a lot of friends in school so Daddy arranges play dates. So far I have has a play date with Amir, Elijah and Devin. Today we had our second play date with Amir. It was a lot of fun! We went to the Armament Museum and a place that was a total surprise!

 

Amir and I on the CH-53.

Here we are looking at the tail gun on the B-17. Twin 50's so cool.

Here we are posing with the B-52.

Here we are at the wishing well making a donation to the museum.

My F-15 Trainer... it is all mine!

Who knew the A-10 was capable of two pilots!

 

So the surprise was Daddy took us to Wild Willey's.... how cool. I got to play games with Amir. I usually have to play with Daddy, so having some one who understands the games was just cool!

Here we are fighting dinosaurs. How cool is that?

You can see us through the glass looking for targets.

Then we did the 3D movie ride.

We raced each other on motor cycles.

Yep, we got hungry. Have to refuel.

We got to go fishing too....

Then we fought pirates...

This is a tough game, but we won!

Got in some hunting.

Like you have never missed before?

 

Anyway it was a awesome play date. It was sort of like a Christmas present since I was surprised. I did not see it coming until we got close. And going with my friend was just the icing on the ginger bread house. Anyway, only one more day until Christmas. So can anyone guess what the next blog post will be about? Until then, Merry Christmas to all and I hope you have a good night!