Southern Star

Disneyland

2007-10-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

We were at Disneyland and California Adventure last week from Thursday-Saturday. Steve had a conference, Society of Experimental Test Pilots (sounds a little geeky, huh?) that was held on Disney property. So, with the help of the Conference/Government rate and the travel per diem, staying on the property only cost us a small fortune! Ridiculous isn't it? Especially, in the wee hours of the first night when someone decided to do maintenance on the pipes running through the walls beside our heads! For 2 1/2 hours, 2-4:30am, we heard a mix of banging on pipes with a hammer and the "snake" running through the pipes to clear a clog (those of you who've ever lived in Gov't housing know exactly what I am talking about). So, I had to march my little self right on down to the front desk at 3:30am, pajamas and all. See, I didn't want to use the phone conveniently situated right next to Landon's head, because miraculously, he was sleeping through all of this... he did wake up promptly at 4:30am as soon as the noise quieted.

Despite the very unrestful night of sleep on Thursday night (Steve said he could sleep better in a 12 man tent with bombs going off than this place), we had a blast! Landon and I adventured to the parks with our friend, Joey and her 2 kids, Kate and Jayden. Steve was able to join us in the park on Saturday afternoon, once the conference ended. Landon was able to see Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Litenin' McQueen and Mater. His favorite ride was the ladybug boogie in California Adventure (imagine, the teacups on crack). He rode that thing at least 6 times! He would laugh before it even started up.

Enjoy our trip through a few pictures.

Long Time Gone...

2007-09-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

Has it really been a month since I posted anything? It's not that we haven't been doing anything, I guess I just haven't had much to share. However, this week is worth sharing!

Steve went TDY on Saturday morning at 7am... the desktop computer proceeds to crash promptly 8 hours later. I thought no big deal, I'll shut it down -- that always works-- and we'll be good to go. Umm, NO! I had the black screen of death. It of course gives me options, too bad none of them actually work! So, I did the next rational thing, call someone who is computer savvy, they'll certainly be able to tell me a few keystrokes and I'll be back on track. I called, and this is our conversation:

Computer Guy: "No problem, you had a backup of your data right?"
Me: "Yeah, some of it, not the pictures from the last 6 months? Oh, and I'm not sure about Steve's thesis he's been working on for 1 1/2 years..."
Computer Guy: "Yeah, umm, you have a BIG problem!"
Me: "What do you mean?"
Computer Guy: "We're just going to hope we can save your data by taking out the hard drive and getting the info on another computer. You haven't noticed any strange sounds have you?"
Me: "You mean like this one (hold phone up to computer)?"
Computer Guy: "That's not a good sound to hear, there might not be any data to save..."

So, I just finished ordering a computer and according to Dell, it should be here in 3-5 business days. Steve is pretty sure he has a backup of his thesis (and a backup of the backup), oh, do I pray he does! Moral of this story, backup your data! So, I've been using the laptop (which is quickly running out of memory) to bring this story to you today!

So, after the crash, we were doing good, until... the cordless phone fell in the bathtub and I hear Steve saying (from the phone) "Am I under water?" I replied, "Yes, yes you are!" Editors Note: expletives are deleted. Don't worry, I didn't electrocute my child, I was just checking the temperature of the water before I rounded him up. Lucky for me, the phone after drying out and a few "Work, you stupid %&^%(&*^)*(&(", the phone came back to life!

Oh, did I mention I also managed to blow up the hot pack for the Pyrex Portables container. Let's just say it makes a pretty decent mess in the microwave.

Good thing this is only a week TDY (and we have 3 days left), I don't want to imagine how much damage I can do in 2 weeks! Guess we'll find out really soon...

A BIG Weekend

2007-08-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

We had a BIG weekend in sunny CA.

We started things off on Friday by receiving our next assignment (where we'll be for the next 3 years) and ................................. we're staying in CA! As most of you know, this is not our first choice for assignment, but we know that there is a reason for everything. Steve will be flying a myriad of aircraft since he will be assigned to the Test Operations Squadron at Edwards. So, get your bags packed and your air travel reserved! We LOVE visitors!

On Saturday, we transitioned Landon's crib to the toddler bed. We were going to do this for a few weeks to let him get used to the feeling of not being closed in and then move to the big bed.

Notice the screwdriver, Landon "helped" with the bed

Just as we finishd with the crib change, we learned that his new "big boy bed" was in. So, we went to town Saturday night to pick it up. Knowing we only have 7 days to change our minds, we put it together on Sunday night and Landon promptly jumped in. It's a little taller than I expected, probably because of the mattress I chose, so we have a dilemma. We bought safety rails for the sides of the bed, but they don't fit (apparently you can't have side rails on your bed) so, for now, the crib/toddler bed is pulled up to the side of the bed to keep him from rolling off. Landon had a great night's sleep in his big boy bed and we awoke this morning to a little boy staring us in the face! I am not sure I am ready for this....

Looks like I now have a "big boy bed sleeping toddler!" What happened to baby Landon???

North Carolina Visit

2007-08-02T14:09:00.000-07:00

Landon and I spent 3 weeks during July in NC. We had a great visit with family and friends. Here are a few pictures from the trip.

Landon and Sidney enjoying ice cream

Cheesing with "Unc Chris"

Gardening with LaLa

Exercising with PaPa

Halfway "nakey" dancing baby

Loving "Brandi-doggy"
Hanging out with "T" (Aunt Tammy)
Amy's college friend's wedding

(l to r): Beth, Amy, Mike (groom), Amy B (bride), Kristin

Layover in Phoenix

2007-08-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

On our flight to NC, we stopped off in Phoenix to see Aunt Jenny and Uncle Dave. Actually, we had a 4 1/2 hour layover in Phoenix and Jen and Dave rescued me! I figured if we stayed in the airport for 4 1/2 hours, Landon (or I), might be riding on the baggage carousel before it was over. So, instead, Jen and Dave picked us up, took us to lunch, took Landon swimming and deposited us back at the airport with just enough time to clear security and make it to our gate. It was fantastic! Thanks Jen and Dave, you saved me!

2007-08-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

Steve's TPS class chose the class name "The Best Looking TPS Class EVER," therefore, below are the "Best Looking TPS Wives EVER!

4th of July

2007-08-02T13:53:00.001-07:00

Landon enjoyed the fireworks display on base. The base actually celebrated on June 30, but who's counting. We watched from the Golf Course (when I was growing up, we also watched them from the golf course), and since they started at 9:30, Landon enjoyed them while wearing his PJs (firework PJs, of course)!

Space Shuttle

2007-08-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

While we were in Hawaii, the Space Shuttle landed here at Edwards. We, along with most of our class, missed it since we were on our break, but we did get to see the shuttle as it was being prepared for it's return to Kennedy Space Center.

Summer on the Go

2007-08-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted anything in quite a while (almost 2 months), but it has been a busy, on-the-go summer for us. We were in Hawaii for a week, home for a very busy week and a half, NC for 3 weeks, back home for a few days and then Steve starts his TDYs! Luckily through all of our trips, we've been able to avoid most of the CA heat, but I hear that August is when it really heats up! Luckily, we now have 3 window Air Conditioners to hopefully help us beat the heat!

Now, a quick update through pictures

Hawaii

TPS Graduation-Outlaws

2007-06-10T15:31:00.001-07:00

Last night was graduation night at TPS, unfortunately it wasn't ours. However, we (and yes, I do mean we, the wives are a big part of this year too, trust me!) are now the Senior Class! Yipee! Anyway, last night was fun. Sometimes it's neat to get all dressed up and go somewhere... but don't get too excited, we didn't actually leave "the compound." The students are required to attend graduation when they are juniors and we had quite a few wives that were able to attend as well. Below are a few pictures that we took during the night. Of course the pictures were taken in front of the F-15... the greatest fighter EVER!

Up-close with the T-38

2007-06-10T15:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday was Red Carpet Day at TPS for the newest graduates of TPS. Steve was assigned to man the static display of the T-38. Landon and I went for a quick visit before the students and families arrived. We took this opportunity to take a family picture... shocking, isn't it? Enjoy!

Brett's Visit

2007-06-10T15:08:00.000-07:00

About a week ago, Steve's cousin Brett came to visit us. However, he must not have really liked the desert because I think he was on the ground here for all of 18 hours! Just kidding. Brett, who pinned on Captain just a few days before his visit, is also a pilot in the Air Force. He is stationed at Laughlin AFB, TX and he is an instructor pilot in the T-38. He is eagerly awaiting his next assignment. Anyway, we had a nice visit with him, albeit short, and we hope to have more visitors in the future. The picture was mainly taken for Steve's Oma... don't you know she'll be so proud to have a picture of her two AF grandsons?

Spouse Day

2007-06-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

Thursday, May 24 was Spouse Day at Test Pilot School. There were three activities you could choose from: High speed taxi ride in a T-38, A ride up the coast of CA in a C-12 or a flight in a glider. My husband decided to sign me up for a glider flight. So he comes home and after my initial "why didn't I get to chose, etc" I listened to his reasoning behind the choice and I concurred. I'd done a F-15E taxi ride at Seymour, so the T-38 would be a sad repeat and he felt I would just get sick in the C-12...definitely agree. So, off to Tehachapi we went for a glider flight. I hadn't asked many questions about the glider, but when we got there and saw the 1950's era plane that I would be pulled behind, I was a little scared. Then, they pulled out the "rope" that was going to attach the glider to the tow plane... it was at best a string! I couldn't believe it. So, I crazily still got in the glider and off we went. They tow you up 3000 feet and then you pull the latch to release the tow line... I really didn't want to do it, but I did. It was a very surreal experience to be 3000 feet up with no engine. But, the motion sickness hit and I was done! I didn't actually have to use "the bag" but I knew exactly where it was. Meanwhile, Landon is on the ground very upset because Mommy went in the "aircane" without him! Below are pictures and videos of the day.

All in all, it was a fantastic experience and now I can add that to the list of things I've done...once!

Lazy Sunday Afternoon...

2007-05-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love Sunday afternoon? We do! After Landon took an awesome nap yesterday, we went for a family walk/run and then we came home to cool off. Steve and Landon got in Landon's whale pool. Mommy whimped out again, that water is cold! Even Steve agreed the water was super cold this time, but of course, Landon didn't mind. Once they got in, I realized my two guys were dressed alike so out comes the camera.

First, two people should not look this much alike!

Then Landon decided it was time to wash the horse. Steve was screaming like a girl with the cold water!

This is a bonus picture from pool fun on Friday. Landon's friend Aaron and his Mom Staci (their dad/husband is in Steve's TPS class) came over on Friday afternoon to relax in the pool. Aaron was not to sure about the water, but kept inching closer. This is the only picture I got of the two of them.

Little Helper

2007-05-17T15:43:00.000-07:00

Last night, I was gathering the clothes that needed to go into the wash as Landon was getting ready for his bath. I set the laundry basket down in the living room as I went to get the last few items. I had already started the water running in the wash. I came back into the kitchen and this is what I saw...

I am so glad to have such a big helper!

"Swimmin Poool"

2007-05-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, we took Landon to the "swimmin poool" and he had so much fun! After Landon brought us his swimsuit, hat and towel multiple times over the last week, I knew we had to find some water. The water was cold, but neither Landon nor Steve seemed to care. Landon wanted to go down one of the water slides so silly Mommy let him go down the one he wanted, the biggest one, that sent him flying into the water. He seemed a little dazed after that and wasn't begging to go back on the slide. Oops! And for the record, Landon needed 4 pool noodles at all times, no less. My child is a noodle-hog!

I whimped out of getting in the water since I have been dealing with allergies for the last week. According to the flight doc, I am allergic to the desert...do you hear that Uncle Sam? I think I'll call Steve's Commander and tell him we have to move following TPS because I'm allergic. Do you think he'll go for it? Not likely.

I hope you are all enjoying the weather were you are. It's already HOT here, in the 90s the past week that means mid 80s in house. I am not even looking forward to July and August. Who ever thought it was a good idea to build a house in the desert with out A/C? Oh wait, that would be the Federal Gov't!

Blueberry pickin'

2007-05-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

Today, we drove up north of Tehachapi, about 1 1/2 hours from Edwards, to go berry picking. Actually, we were going to pick blueberries and peaches, but we couldn't find the peaches.... Did I mention that we went with 2 Moms from our TPS class and their children. I am sure that we looked quite funny trying to find the peaches. Anyway, Landon decided to eat his weight in blueberries that were freshly picked. I felt like I needed to pay these people extra for the large number of blueberries that never made it to the container.

Landon had a blast and I was sure he was ready for a big nap with all the festivities today and the fact that he's been up since 5:45 this morning, but he is in his room singing...

Bubbles...

2007-05-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

When I picked Landon up from "school" this morning, he was repeatedly telling me about "the bubbles." Now, I am not quite sure if they played with bubbles at school, or if he just had them on the brain, but we had to play with bubbles at home. Luckily, I'd bought a bubble machine for him for Easter, so we took it out. He had the best time ever with the bubbles. They would "tickle" him and then he would have to move the machine so the bubbles would tickle Mommy. However, the fun ended when the bubbles were all gone. Needless to say, Mommy will be making a trip to town tomorrow to buy more bubbles...

Snow Boots and Gramma

2007-05-03T21:54:00.000-07:00

Apparently Landon thinks that Gramma brought snow with her from Rochester! He decided that since she was here, we needed to bring out the snow boots. I am glad to see the boots are getting a second wearing before they are outgrown.

Back to Gramma. Steve's Mom came out to visit from Rochester. She arrived on Tuesday night and she will be staying until next Wednesday. We are having a great visit and Landon is enjoying playing with "Gra." He of course enjoys being spoiled because we all know that Grandparents allow us to get away with more than parents do!

One Man Band

2007-04-29T15:14:00.000-07:00

So, we were running into Church this morning, just as the Prelude began. This is why...

Warm Spring Day

2007-04-27T14:51:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, the warm weather is finally here! I can say that now, because in August I will be wondering where the cool weather is. Anyway, Landon was excited for the warm day and decided he needed to play at the park shoe-less. So, on the way home, I noticed my neighbors sprinklers in her front yard were on so I decided to rinse his feet there instead of in the tub. Of course, he loved "the water" and wanted more. I turned on the sprinklers in our front yard for 10 minutes and he had a blast!

After the sprinkler fun, he was soaked so I stripped him down by the front door. I was gathering up our things outside and came inside to find him cleaning, in just a diaper. I am so happy to know that my child loves to clean! He is going to make a fantastic husband one day!

Here we go...

2007-04-26T21:13:00.000-07:00

So, I've decided to join the bandwagon and start a blog. These pages will be filled with my daily observations as a Mom to a 2-year-old and the Wife of a Fighter Pilot. I hope you enjoy our lives!

This was our Christmas card picture this past year. We visited the Grand Canyon on our cross country move and took the opportunity for a family picture. Handsome guys, don't you think?