She apparently does not like tomatos.

The Hospital Ball

The 110th Hospital Ball.

Last night Colin and I attended the Hospital Ball. We have been to the Navy Ball before. Colin is usually deployed so we don’t attend.
My favorite part is the Presentation of Colors. Everyone stands, the men at attention. It is a beautiful moment to hear the National Anthem and watch the colors (flags) slowly come in. It is a moment to reflect on how much the flags and America stand for and the history. America is an amazing nation. America is the most generous nation on earth. America has improved life for everyone on earth more than any other nation. In two hundred years America’s citizens have invented, discovered and revolutionized more than any other nation. Americans are a different type of people. America keeps its citizens safer than any other country. The list goes on and on.
The speaker was good largely because he acted like the guest of honor at an Irish funeral. (He provided a lot of alcohol and didn’t say much.) I was proud of myself because I could pick apart his ribbon stack to see what he had and didn’t have as well as the guys.
Another moment of chills was the POW/MIA (prisoner of war/ missing in action) table. At every Ball there is a ceremony for the soldiers who never made it home. It is chilling reminder that as these men face death often yet some have a different fate as prisoners of war. Especially when you hear how Americans were captured, sold to China and Russia, and used for human experiments. It is overwhelming the danger that these men face. Followed by the Corpsman Pledge and the Marine Corps Hymn. It is beautiful. I wish everyone in America could share this experience.
The ceremony was over, the fun began. We had a great table. Colin’s co-workers and friends are hilarious. Some were drunk or as they would say, chasing the happiness at the bottom of the glass. I wish I could bottle the constant laughing.
We returned to a sleeping baby. Thanks Grammy and Grandpa.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Let's play soccer.
Chocolate cake, lemon frosting, sushi topping. The sushi isn't real. It's sweet. Mars, thanks for helping with the roe, ginger, fish, and wasabi. The crab California rolls were delicious.

Just hanging out.

Hedgehog cupcakes for Rachel's visit.
A dragonfly cupcake for Emily's 16 month day. (she doesn't get to eat it.)

It's has been a great day. We got up, played, walked to the store, returned home to make cupcakes, went to the Pottery Barn sing-a-long and played with a bunch of kids. All before noon.

At the sing-a-long, Emily just sat next to me and watched all the kids. Once she watched the kids, she started dancing. She plays nicely, never grabbing or throwing tantrums. I do not look forward to that stage.

Emily had roseola last weekend. She is better now. Her days are filled with swim dates with Piper, playing with the kids at the park and visiting the puppy store.

When I do push ups in the living room a few times during the day, she does them with me. It's cute. We stretch together too.

At dinner Emily said "this is good" in baby talk. I only recognized it because that is what Colin says at dinner most nights. She also prays by putting her hands together and waiting until we say Amen.

Life is good.

Sequoia National Forrest.

Look at this bear cub! We saw him twice. And 6 deer, a coyote and a bobcat.
Emily did a great job camping in the snow. It was really cold. Snow everywhere. There was no even ground. She fell every 5 minutes. She even wore clothes with out complaining. It was a lot of fun watching every bird and squirl with her.
We are at the General Sherman tree. It was a great trip.

Too cute.

Emily in grandpa's boots.

More of Emily's favorite things.

Ducks. She has cute quack.
Emily and dad watching the ducks.
Emily and mom checking out the landscape.

More of Emily's favorite things.

Emily and her prized broom. She loves sweeping.
Hiding spot. Anything that keeps her busy while I cook dinner.
So sad. She didn't want to take picture right after I woke her up.