Catching Up

I feel like I need to write since it's been awhile, but there's not a whole lot to say. We all had a cold last week, and Hannah is still recovering. We've been keeping ourselves busy, getting involved in our new church and continuing our exploration of the area. This weekend we checked out MacArthur Center in downtown. One of the better malls we've had near us since leaving Ca. It has some of my favorite stores from Ca that I dearly missed. I've also been working on some changes in our master bedroom. Which I will post once completed. I'm taking my time finding just the right items. I bought a bike, but have not been able to ride it because the bike pump we bought does not work. And Sergio needs to get his bike fixed. Something to do with his tires when he tried going for a bike ride on Father's Day. Once they are up and running, we can finally go riding at the Botanical Gardens. Hopefully this Thursday!

As for church, on Friday I went to Ladies Night Out. A women's group that meets once a month. We had a wonderful time sharing and bonding. God was definitely at work; lets just say the tissue box made its way around the room. Sunday we attended a potluck for newcomers. And tonight Sergio is at band practice.

I wanted to post a video, but I'm still figuring out how to upload the videos. If anyone knows how to change the video format, please let me know. Mine our in MOV, and blogger needs it in MPEG. The video was of Hannah blowing kisses. She learned how to blow kisses. It's very cute. As for Hannah's cute moment of the day, she picked up a pile of her folded laundry and started carrying it around. I picked her up and we took the laundry upstairs, where she helped me put them away in her drawers. My adorable little helper.

25

Birthdays. Another year older.  I don't usually stop to think about an upcoming birthday.  But this year I did.  25 is by no means old, but at least for me it's a time in my life that I feel like I'm a "grown up".  Graduating from college, getting married, and having a baby should have made me feel just that.  I had adult responsibilities but they were new experiences and felt surreal at the time.  Your early 20s are a time of transition.  As I sit here and watch Hannah play, Oski on the floor asleep, and the hubby at work my life is exactly as I pictured.  God has truly blessed me over the past 25 years.  My prayer is to continue to use those blessings wisely to glorify him.

So what did we do to celebrate the occasion.  We started with Sergio's squadron's beach bash.  We don't have any pictures as we were having too much fun playing in the ocean.  Hannah is such a beach baby.  She may have been born in the south, but I passed on the California girl to her.  It's just in her nature.  The best birthday present I could ask for were the dolphins swimming off the shore.  They were so close you could swim out there if you wanted.  And there were so many, they just kept coming.  It was the picturesque vision of God's beautiful creations.  Hannah and Sergio napped while I talked to my mommy on the phone.  Love you Mom!!! Then we went to dinner at Olive Garden and sung Happy Birthday at home.

Hannah went to bed, and our friends Julie and Adrian babysat while Sergio and I went to see Toy Story 3.  Yes we went to see a kids movie for our time away from Hannah.  But we had heard so many great reviews, that it seemed the best choice.  Plus I mentioned in my last post I hadn't been to the movies since I was 7 months pregnant, and I've never seen this new 3-D technology.  The movie was well worth it.  Such a great movie.  LOVED it!!!  I will say though going to the movies has changed and become more complicated since I had last been.  While I was looking up movie times there were three different options.  Toy Story 3, digital 3-D, or IMAX 3-D.  I'd heard of 3-D and IMAX 3-D but didn't realize they were not one and the same.  The IMAX experience didn't fit into our time frame, so we went to the digital.  It was an interesting experience.  The 3-D makes the quality better, but after awhile you don't even notice that it's 3-D.  Just sort of blends nicely.  It would be interesting to see a non-animated movie.

Father's Day Weekend

Sergio came home early on Friday and kicked me out of the house.  My response, mommy time what is that, I don't know what to go do?  His, he didn't care what I did, just go.  So I handed Hannah over, and made sure everything was in order for her.  I've only been without Hannah a handful of times.  A couple doctor's appointments, Sergio's CQ and winging parties, a date night last December, and once in February to get my hair done.  I do have many opportunities for Sergio to watch her, but when he's home I like to be together as a family.  I forget to treat myself I guess.  So I hopped in my car, clueless of what to do.  To be honest it's weird having an empty back seat, and no child to get in and out of the car, put in a stroller or shopping cart.  To not worry about snack and sippy cups, actually to only have a phone, wallet, keys, and lip gloss in my purse (and a small purse that is).  I told Sergio I'd make a run to the post office (yes this is supposed to be mommy time, but I didn't know what to do).  As I headed towards the post office, I decided for a change of plans and that yes there is something I would like, a pedicure.  Tomorrow is the first day of summer and my birthday, so I decided why not start this weekend off with pretty summery toes.  I can take Hannah just about anywhere I like to go except two places the movie theatre and the nail salon.  She's not old enough to sit through a movie yet, so I haven't been since I was 7 months pregnant (point of time in which it became too uncomfortable sitting for long periods of time while pregnant).  And nail salons have a lot of chemicals that Hannah can breathe in and concern me.  My concern was validated Friday, when I noticed warning signs the salon posted about children for this very reason.  After getting a pedicure I walked over to TJ Maxx, but first checked in with Sergio to make sure everything was good on the home front.  Hannah and him were getting ready to go running (Sergio running, Hannah strolling).  I did a little purse shopping while at TJ Maxx, and of course bought something for my little girl.  I don't know if I ever can just shop for myself.  As relaxing as my mommy time was, I missed my girl and was so excited to see her and Daddy waiting for me on the drive way when I pulled up.  I immediately pulled out my new purse and her dress to show her.

Yesterday we started the day off slow with soccer and So You Think You Can Dance.  Then in the afternoon we went to the Virginia State Aquarium.  Sergio and I love going to aquariums.  I can never get enough of sea life.   When we lived in Corpus Christi we took Hannah a couple times.  Then she could not walk so she hung on my hip in her sling.  This time she was all over the place.  At times she was trying to climb the rocks to see the reptiles, and other times, trying to climb the wall to swim with the fish and sting rays.  (Disclaimer, the following pictures have not been edited since my photo editor had the day off, something about a day for dads ;) but wanted to share anyways).

First stop at the aquarium was this giant, and I mean GIANT, lizard. 

Hannah was so captivated that she cried when it was time to move on.  I would have let her look longer, but people were starting to line up.  

This is Hannah and Daddy in the lizard's looking hole.  A view she enjoyed.  She especially enjoyed the tunnel she walked and daddy crawled through to get into the hole.  

Then there was the fish tunnel.  You could just see her mind at work while she watched.

I love her pointing at the fish in this picture.

This was the sting ray touch pool.

And Hannah not only wanted to touch but also swim.

Dun-duh, Dun-duh,Dun-duh...

Daddy and Hannah were eaten by jaws.  Mommy's worse nightmare.

Playing peek-a-boo with Hubert while on the nature trail.

At the end of the nature trail was the aviary.

Not only does Hannah love bathing with ducks, singing, and reading about ducks, she loves watching them.  There were all kinds of birds, but the ducks were her favorite.  

Today we had a wonderful Father's Day.  Sergio went for a bike ride with a riding group, while Hannah and I slept in.  Then when he came home we had breakfast and daddy opened his cards and gift.  We then went to church.  Enjoyed an awesome service followed by brunch at Pop's Diner and Co.  Best pancakes I've ever had, I must say.  After brunch Sergio and Hannah napped.  Then we went to a BBQ at another pilot's home.  While there Hannah was playing with their 6 year old son.  The site of our little princess playing with basketballs, trucks, and Buzz Light Year made Daddy's day.  I told him to enjoy while it lasted because that would be the last time.  I think someone needs a boy.  Till that's determined, here's Daddy and his princess.  

        

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!  We love you very much!

Click the link below to watch a very touching Father's Day video from church.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0k1PCJmXBg

Just Another Day

Today was a busy day, but a great one.  The day started as usual.  Hannah enjoyed breakfast and roaming about the house.  At breakfast, I asked her a question and she actually nodded yes, instead of no.  Then gave me a couple more nods.  So we now know how to nod.  But she still gives me more shakes than nods.  Sergio didn't have to go in till 10am, so I was able to sleep in on the couch for an extra hour while he made sure Hannah stayed out of trouble.  Hannah is now switching to one nap a day, so today from about 12-2 I had free time.  I went out front to take the trash out, and decided to open the garage looking for a broom to sweep some dirt off the walk way.  I saw our big red clippers hanging on the wall and decided while I was at it I would do some trimming.  I went a little crazy with the clippers and clipped just about everything.  Even the trees.  They were just hanging to low.  I'm finding yard work in the summer is actually kind of therapeutic.  Something about the heat makes you feel like you accomplished even more.

I had figured since Sergio went in later, he'd be home later.  To my surprise he was home a little after 1.  After Hannah woke from her nap we enjoyed hanging out in the tree house, our room above the garage.  Sergio was rocking out on his guitar.  An activity Hannah throughly enjoys.  She likes to help Daddy with the sound board.  They started playing together back in Texas.  If I take her back downstairs to the other side of the house, she immediately turns around, walks across the house, and crawls right up the stairs to Daddy.  She just loves it up there.  Another Daddy, Hannah favorite I learned today is Captain Crunch.  Apparently they eat Captain Crunch Berries together, and Hannah eats the colored berries first then the regular ones.     

Afterwards we went out shopping.  When we leave the house now, Hannah brings a friend with her.  Today she brought a little bunny.  While we were driving along we could hear her talking to him.  When I would look back she would be holding him up to her face babbling away.  Just too cute.  

We checked out a bike I like, but still want to try a few others.  Then made our way to the thrift store.  Found a great pair of Stride Rites barely worn for $2.50.  Hannah will grow into them for later, but new they are $40.  So I was super stoked.  Then we checked out one of our many malls.  They had a little play area that Hannah just loved.  She crawled through the tunnels and up the bridge.  The bridge I will admit made me a bit nervous, but she was so proud.    

Sergio is going to be playing guitar for the youth worship band at church, so tonight he had his first practice.  Hannah and I watched.  After practice we stayed for the youth bible study, and Hannah went to the children's room where she listened to bible stories, played and colored.  They showed me her coloring page when I went to get her.  All the colored dots were Hannah's.  Such a proud mommy.  

C-2 Greyhound and More

Today Sergio selected his plane the C-2 Greyhound.

The photos were taken at an air show in March.

By now my family and friends know explaining how the Navy and selection process works is complicated.  To simplify what this news means at this point in time, Sergio will be flying the C-2 for at least the next 4 years.  He begins his training on Monday.  Once Sergio completes his training and qualifications in the aircraft, approximately next spring, he will be assigned to a fleet  squadron in either San Diego, Japan, or where we currently are.  And we'll be there for 3 years.  That's the next 4 years in a nut shell.   

A cute moment of the day I do not want to forget: Maverick was outside waiting to come in.  Hannah walked over to the backdoor and reached up for the knob to let him in.  As helpful as she was being, fortunately she is not tall enough to actually open the door yet.  Not ready to baby proof doors, and worry about an escaping toddler.  And while I'm sharing about Hannah and Maverick here are some cute pictures I keep meaning to post.  

Botanical Garden and Harborfest

This weekend is our last before Sergio dives back into work.  He's been very busy and away a lot the last couple months.  The past two weeks we have enjoyed a less demanding schedule.  While we still dream of a vacation and actually taking leave someday (in the civilian world leave = paid vacation) we enjoyed exploring our new home.

We bought an annual family membership to the local Botanical Garden.  Normally it's $8/person/day for the military rate, but with membership we can bring up to 6 people with each visit.  So future visitors can expect the gardens on their itinerary.  They also have bike nights during the summer, so once I get a bike we plan on going for family bike rides.  We did not get to cover all of the grounds, and there is so much more to see, but they had a wonderful kids area with water play.  This was Hannah's favorite and ours as well.

Next time we'll bring her swimsuit. They provide lockers for changing.  Luckily I always carry an extra pair of clothes with me; except it was so hot we let Hannah sun dry as we made our way to the car.  

On Friday we went to the Harborfest.  It is a 3-day festival on the harbor downtown.  They had live music, wine tasting, food, and vendors.  We tasted a couple different wines from a local vineyard, while Hannah enjoyed her sippy cup.  Then made our way to the slurpee truck.  While we enjoyed our slurpee (which Hannah enjoyed too) we watched some live performances.  The first was Asphalt Orchestra.

Hannah was just captivated by them.  

Then we watched the Kenya Safari Acrobats.  I'll just let the pictures speak for this act.

There was a cute puppet show set up in an air conditioned area, where we took a break from the sun.  We then enjoyed time on the lawn listening to the night act rehearsing and setting up.  Hannah had a blast toddling around the grass.  It was a wonderful family day. 

This has nothing to do with the post title, but I'll fit it in.  We found a church and are very excited!!!  With every move comes church shopping.  Finding a new church can be a daunting task, when it shouldn't be.  This time we wanted a church ASAP so we can get plugged in and have a church family again.  Something we miss a lot.  Sometimes it can take several months to find the right church, and when we have it seems like we're already packing to move.  Thankfully to the internet many churches now have websites and we're able to narrow our search much quicker.  After shopping around a bit, a couple Sunday morning services and the newcomer's coffee we attended tonight, we feel it's our new home.  We're excited to see the plans God has for us and what's to come next.  

    

  

Sushi

When we lived in Pensacola, we used to make sushi at home about once a week.  Pensacola has a great fresh fish market called Joe Patti's.  While in Mississippi we really missed this tradition.  Mississippi doesn't exactly have fresh fish.  Not sure why we didn't bring it back in Corpus.  I guess because our sushi stuff was in storage.  Either way, today we brought the tradition back.  We made a trip to Welton's Seafood Market.

They have two locations, one in Ghent and the other in Oceanfront.  We bought tuna and salmon.  

Then made our way over to an Asian grocery store near our house, and Fresh Farm.  There we bought Sushi rice, seaweed, lemons, cucumber, wasabi paste, ginger, and mirin (sweetened sake).  We already had avocado on hand.

Sergio likes the raw fish, I like it cooked.  And Hannah can only eat cooked because of her age.  So first I prepared the seared salmon.  Place butter and the salmon in the skillet.  Squeeze some lemon over the salmon and sprinkle some pepper.  On Med-High heat cook the salmon for about 2-3 minutes on one side, flip over and cook another 2-3 minutes on the other side.  It cooks fast so don't walk away.  The result

Since I was using the salmon for rolls and feeding a toddler I chopped it into smaller pieces.  It's so tender it doesn't even require cutting.

Raw fish does require a little prep.  Because fish have parasites, you can't just eat it.  Rub either lemon or wasabi over the fish.  The acidic of either will kill the parasites.  A little trick we learned from the fish market.  Sergio also wanted some fish seared on the outside only, so he flash seared some of each.  Once the meat is prepped, you'll need to decide if you want the rice on the outside of the roll or the seaweed.  I chose rice on the outside and Sergio chose seaweed.  When doing rice on the outside, place saran wrap or foil down on your sushi mat.  Then a layer of sushi rice, and the seaweed on top of it.    

 

Then put the fish and whatever you want in the roll down the middle.  We do cucumber and avocado.  

Next roll the mat.

We haven't figured out where to get or how to make some of the special sauces that restaurants use.  But a good sweet sauce is mirin.  It's mainly used to marinate or in tempura.  But we have found a little drizzled on top is yummy.  Place some wasabi and ginger on the plate.  Pour a little soy sauce, and enjoy.  

 

Our salmon monster. Yum Yum Yum.