Caleb's 4 year old pics

Click here to view these pictures larger

Our Trip Home: Part 2

I know it's been a while, but this post was half way finished so I decided to go ahead and do that and hit the highlights over the past two months (since I haven't written in that time). I've had plenty going on, which I can explain later, so this is the second part to our trip home.

Once we spent a few days in Florida, we drove to Georgia to visit with my family. Daniel stayed for the weekend and a few days and left to go back to spend time with his family in Florida. Over the weekend while he was in, we were able to surprise my brother and sister-in-law. My other family knew I was coming in, so we were only able to surprise a few people. I had to let my mom know so she could adjust her schedule accordingly and of course she told my dad. By the end, my brother and sister-in-law were the only ones that didn't know we were coming. None of our friends really knew, but family wise, everyone but my brother knew.

We had such a great time and Caleb really enjoyed being around Papa and Nanny. Caleb LOVED being outside and tried to bother the dog when she came out to be seen. Other than that, he pulled Papa around between the lawnmower, tractor, 4-wheeler, and motorcycle. He had a blast to say the least and loved every minute of being there.

The first weekend we were down, we visited with Daniel's Aunt Janice and his Granny which was staying there and luckily caught all of our cousins in the process. It was nice to see all of them because it had been a little over a year for us. We hung out one day at the pool at Jamie and Cassie's house and had lunch beforehand at Janice's house. Caleb got to enjoy his Granny for a little while and his cousins which he never sees. The kids (including the adults) had a blast and it was so nice to see everyone there.

Although the trip was great and we had tons to celebrate (two new nephews), my mom had surgery before we were suppose to go back to FL. I decided to stay with her so Daniel went back to FL I kept Caleb for a few more days to keep it fair between the grandparents, and that would also give Daniel a little bit of time to enjoy his family and friends without having to worry about Caleb and his normal routine. After a few days with Caleb I took him half way to Daniel (roughly 3 hours) and Caleb then went off with Daniel back to FL. This was my first "real" time without having Caleb for a few days and it was pretty hard. It's so strange because that's all my life and routine had consisted of for 3 1/2 years. Once I got back to GA my mom had surgery on her foot the next day. I hung out with my dad in the waiting area all day and had lunch with him which was really nice. My mom got to come home that night but we had to do some tedious work to keep her foot taken care of. Anyways, she is still having issues so I'm waiting to hear what steps will be taken next.

After the surgery I went back to FL and hung out with family. We took family pictures and enjoyed a birthday dinner with Daniel's sister Tara and her husband Bryan. We had a blast and definitely didn't want to take the LONG trip back home. We all had a great time though and can't wait to make another trip back home.

Here are some pictures from the trip in GA and a video of Caleb riding the lawnmower by himself.

My brother's baby - Kyler and Caleb

Daniel's Uncle Buddy and the rest are cousins

Daniel and Caleb swimming and playing

Our Trip Home

Yes - it's been a LONG time since I've posted so there's a lot of information in this blog. You're being warned now. I'm sure there have been longer ones in the past that I may have posted, but I'm trying to break this post down as much as possible for everyone to view a little easier.

.

Hi everyone. Yes I realize it's been close to a month (if not a month or more) since I've posted. We've obviously had a lot going on and those close to us know what that is. Our visit!! Daniel and I thought it'd be fun to get away for a few days so I called the terminal to see what flights were coming up within the next three days, and there was a flight going straight into Jacksonville, FL. Maybe 15 minutes from either Daniel's brother or mom. We were like, okay we'll take it! After a little bit of work (getting the orders squared away, etc.) we were packed and on "stand-by." Being on stand-by has it's moments, but this trip was definitely one like I've never experienced. The flight ended up landing on Friday (we were told it'd be here Saturday morning), fueled, and left carrying no passengers to FL. We were crushed but decided to go anyways since we had already told very few people and we were already in the mindset to see family and friends. We made it onto a flight for CA but first had to do a 17 hour layover in HI. Yes, Hawaii isn't that bad, however when you have to stay in a terminal because there's no hotel within a good 10 minutes of the airport, it's not the greatest either. Caleb and I slept on the floor (I think Daniel slept in chairs - not sure) and after a few hours we were up and going to CA. That flight wasn't too bad, but Caleb wasn't feeling really well and had an upset stomach.

.

We finally make it in to CA and we have a Savannah flight that's leaving the following morning. Needless to say, they can't take any passengers because the flight had issues the day before. Okay, fine. There will be two flights leaving for Charleston, SC that night (the same day as the GA flight) and we'll try to make it onto one of those. Both, we found out around 5 PM, were cancelled. Not sure why but they'll no longer be leaving. At this point Daniel had had enough. Believe it or not, I have a little more patience at stuff like this, but I also don't have "leave days" that I have to worry about (other than worrying with him). I was just as upset and aggravated and tired of dealing with all of the cancellations, so we bought tickets from San Francisco to Jacksonville, FL. We flew that night (all night actually) and made it in around 630 AM to Philly. From there we flew into FL arriving around 1030 AM.

.

We had planned not to tell anyone in our families about the trip, but we needed Tara (Daniel's sister) to pick us up since her and her husband Bryan are keeping our truck while we're in Japan. We finally told her, and also told Jason (Daniel's brother). Other than that, no one knew. We decided to meet over at Jason's house that night and Rhonda had already planned on coming out, so we'd surprise her then. It was too funny. Jenny (Jason's wife), myself (holding Trevor), Daniel, and Caleb were in Trevor's room (which was still under-construction) and Jason got Rhonda to walk back there. Of course she was holding Cale, so when she opened the door and saw Caleb and Daniel right up front, she freaked out. She dropped down and gave Caleb a hug and started crying. I knew it was coming and called it before we ever left Okinawa. Cale was fine, he just got scared, so Daniel scooped him up while Rhonda was hugging Caleb. She then made her way to Daniel and that was a little more emotional seeing in how he hadn't seen any of his family for a little over a year. I was just there, so I held the baby and laughed. It was so great seeing everyone and hanging out. The boys (the three mobile ones) were into everything. Caleb and Brody played very well together, although there were moments, but overall did great. Caleb actually came back to Okinawa saying he had brothers. It varies from day to day, but he'll say my brother Brody, or my brother Brody and Trevor, and once or twice he's told us, along with friends, that he had brothers. I asked him who, and he told me my brothers: Brody, Trevor, and Cale then laughed. He is so cute and really enjoyed himself and Brody this trip. We can't wait to come back home, but we have roughly a year left.

.

While there we did a lot and I didn't have my camera for much of anything. We have some pictures that were taken on the beach by a friend of the family, Kari Vernnard, and also some snapshots from Tara and Bryan's birthday dinner, which happened to be before the beach pictures, so I'll post what I have.

.

Caleb on the flight to Hawaii (91/2 hours from Okinawa)

.

Daddy and Caleb

Caleb and Mama

.

Outside of the terminal in Hawaii.

.

Caleb outside of the terminal. We're waiting on a bus to get off base.

One of the military "PX" shops. We were right at Pearl Harbor. This place was huge.

Caleb was done! He literally fell asleep as the plane took off. This is the flight to Philly.

This is all of us at Tara and Bryan's birthday dinner. We were about to leave to take beach pictures. Caleb just had to hold Trevor, so we helped assist him.

Our family picture on the beach. Caleb was a bit distracted - go figure!!

Caleb, Cale (Tara's son), Brody, and Trevor (both are Jason's sons).

Jason, Tara, and Daniel

The newest Singley Edition

The link below will take you to a few pictures that were taken of the new baby - Trevor Mason. Jason (Daniel's brother and SIL Jenny) had him on August 3rd. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 2 ozs. and was 20.5 inches long.

Jenny had him FAST too! Once she was checked into her room, she had dialated 7 CM. Then her water broke. 12 minutes later - it was a BOY!!

Here's a few pictures. It wouldn't let me save them to my computer so had to post the link.

Shutterfly Shared Picture Detail

The newest Singley edition!!!

New Lessons and Updates!!

Just wanted to let everyone know that Caleb started a new set of swim lessons today. He's so excited and has a new teacher now. Her name is Ms. Minnow. She's nervous about having so many kids, but we're hoping it all turns out great. Daniel and I went swimming with Caleb a little bit before the lessons started and Caleb is doing so well. He's going under and opening his eyes and trying to dive downward. He's also swimming on his own (with help at first) to Daniel or myself. He is definitely a little water bug!! Just wanted to update you on what was new for us.

Also, Daniel will be starting Sergeant's course this coming Thursday. He will be on another base M-F (Friday night he comes home), then he'll be home for Saturday night also, and will most likely go back to the other base on Sunday night. He has a lot of training and school stuff to go through so he'll have time to study and all during the weeks that he's there for that. This will go on for about 6-7 weeks or so. So we'll only be seeing him on the weekends, and maybe a little during the week, but not much.

Finally, the last bit of news. My little brother and sister-in-law, finally had their baby boy. He weighed in at 6 lbs. 11 ozs. and was 20" long. She had a great delivery and wasn't in labor tooooo long, or so I hear. I hate that I'm not there for them or able to see the baby yet but we'll be fine. Plus, we also have another addition to the family coming soon. Of course we don't know the sex of the baby yet, but we're praying for another healthy neice or nephew. Daniel's brother and sister-in-law are also due soon and hopefully will have the baby within a week or so. I know she's shooting for this weekend but we'll have to wait and see. Here's a picture of my brother's baby.

This is Kyler Matthew Johnson. He was born at 3:56 PM on Sunday, August 2, 2009. He weighed 6 lbs. 11 ozs. and was 20" long (as I stated above). I'm hoping for more pictures sooner than later so when I get them I'll post them!!

Caleb's Swimming Lessons

These pictures are over Caleb's last two days of swimming with the class of PS1 (Pre-school swim level 1) which was this past Thursday and Friday, July 30th and 31st. He's growing so fast on us and has done so well in his classes. He'll be moving up to PS2 starting Monday, August 3rd. He's now able to swim on his own for a few seconds at a time, and he's still trying to balance it all out, but overall he's doing so well. He can hold his breath for about 7 seconds and he can go under without holding his nose and freaking out. He's also went under and opened his eyes (but didn't care for it too much). We're so proud of him for all that he's accomplished in such a short amount of time!! He loved his teacher this time, Ms. Angel. All of the instructors are from Northern Iowa in a college program. The program allows them to come out for free for the summer and teach the kids. Once the swim lessons are over, they go back to school. Anyways, Caleb's still working on a few things, but overall is doing wonderful!! He's not the best in a life jacket, but he's great with his arm floats and without them. Enjoy the pictures and there will be two videos at the bottom to let you see how things went. On the last day, Friday, it was an hour session and the parents got to swim with the kids for the first 30 minutes then we all got out and had snacks that all the parents brought. We had a blast and it's so much fun watching Caleb grow and learn. Love you all!!

All the kids were listening to the two instructors talk about safety and what they needed to do if someone was in trouble. They learned what a lifeguard is and what a lifeguard does. They also learned what the number is you call when there is an emergency.

About to jump in with the life jackets and swim around for a few minutes.

Yes, that's my kid spitting water over the side of the pool.

Watching the other kids about to jump in the water.

Caleb being silly.

Me and Caleb during the family swim.

Him giving me the best hug!!!

This video is Caleb swimming by himself to the wall. He finally bumped into it later on so now he reaches a little better with his hands, but here's a little peak at what he can do now.

This video is of Caleb swimming with his life jacket on. He was so funny because he couldn't really stay on his belly. He would get on his back and try and roll over to get on his belly, then it'd flip him over again, lol. He was really funny and the instructors loved it (they thought he was doing it on purpose - but he was just trying to get balanced).

Silly Hair Day

Here's a few pictures of Caleb and his hair on daycare's "silly hair day". The kids were suppose to come in with either bed hair or something different. This is the day that Caleb went to the dentist so we went back home to do the hair then I took him to daycare. He was so proud of his hair he was showing it off to his teachers. He would touch it and smile which was the cutest thing. He was also worried about lying down for naptime due to messing his hair up. It didn't budge though. We apparently have some amazing gel and his hair stayed in place ALL day long!! He would also ask over the following days to have spikey hair again. His teachers were proud because he was one of the only ones participating so they got to take pictures to hang up where they needed.

Caleb Sliding

Here's a video of Caleb coming down the slide. He's so funny at the pool and LOVES the water! He has a blast everytime we go. Most days the slide is closed but this day we lucked out. He wouldn't let us take the arm floats off so he could swim to the edge and get out and do it again, all by himself. He's such a great little boy and we have been so blessed to have one as independent, smart, and funny like he is. He also has a smart mouth, he's sassy, and has lots of attitude right now, but we're working on that. He likes to talk back a little too much too, so we're having to address that as well. Overall, he does great and has so many great days. The best thing about all of that, is the attitude seems to only come out around us...thank goodness!! Daycare still thinks he's such an angel (which he is), but he likes to bring home what he learns there to test us. :)

Caleb and his friend Dax

Waiting patiently in line

FLYING down the slide!!! He goes so fast!!

Our Dog - Diego

I have been the one, for many reasons, that has not wanted a dog. I finally found one on a yardsale sight here similar to Ebay or Craigslist. It's called Okinawa Yardsales. Anyways, I found an 8 year old Golden Retriever that I thought would be perfect for us. He's old, so there's no barking (hopefully), not much energy to care who plays with him all the time, and he's not only house broken but probably wouldn't chew on things. Perfect for me right?? Well, I thought so. Daniel went to look at the picture the next day and the ad had been deleted, so we told her no because we could no longer see the pictures or whatever. She posted the ad again, which he finally saw, and fell in love. HAD to have this dog. I called her and explained what was going on, and she said she had found another home for him. Well, lucky for me Caleb and Daniel were on a walk one night around the neighborhood and one of the places that Caleb wanted to stop had a golden retriever in the front yard. Of course, Daniel mentions wanting one, and the guy mentions that he was about to post the dog that night on Okinawa Yardsales, so if we're interested we can take him with us. Of course we ended up with the dog, Diego, and after a few weeks of realizing that it was a LOT harder than it seems (that would obviously be Daniel, because I knew better) we decided to let another family adopt him. Daniel felt like he couldn't give him the attention he needed and we decided to give him to another family. The family we chose has two boys and just moved here. They had also owned two Golden Retrievers back home so the dad knew he wanted one here as well. The oldest boy was about 10 or 11 so he could walk Diego and play with him a little better than Caleb could. We're excited that Diego's found such a great family and although we tried the dog thing, it's still not for us right now. Maybe when we get back and we have an actual yard. We miss him, believe it or not, but we're so glad that he has a family that gives him more attention than we could. Caleb also did very well with him being here then finding a new home. He never cried, and he only mentions Diego on occassions. Just thought we'd let you all know.

July 4th, 2009

On July 4th, we had to change it up a little. This has been one of our first years that we've had to celebrate it somewhere besides the beach in FL. We went to our friend's, Mike and Debbie's, house for a BBQ and actually stayed the night before with our dog Diego. That was interesting. We all shared a bed while Diego scratched ALL NIGHT long on the floor!! UGH!! No one slept well at all. Daniel ended up leaving to go to his "Gunny's" house (his boss) for a BBQ. It was during Caleb's nap time and I was helping Debbie cook, so he went solo with Diego. He finally got back right before we started eating and we hung out for a while and talked with friends. We played Cranium then went to the beach and watched the fireworks. They had a LONG show from one of the bases near by. They were gorgeous!! We took a few family pictures while we were down there but you can't really see them too well. We had a great time and really missed being around family back home.

Us on the balcony outside of the house.

Daniel and I goofing off with the camera.

The boys once we got home (and before we did the webcam with everyone).

Me and Caleb during the game Cranium.

Swimming Video part 2

Here's another video of Caleb swimming. In this video he's doing his back float and we're singing a song. He really enjoys this and I can't wait until his lessons start back up!!

Video of Caleb's Swim Lesson

Here's a quick video of Caleb going under the water. I know it's not the best quality but you can see what's going on for the most part. He went under the water once with my help then insisted that he needed to do it himself. You'll see in the clip what he has to do ALL the time! Hope you enjoy!!

First Round of Lessons - Finished

On July 10th, Caleb officially "passed" his swimming class to go up to another version. This time he'll be with the instructor. I felt like I needed to be there with him because he's still a little shy around new people. He warms right up but the initial contact in the beginning isn't the best, especially with the water where you have to trust someone. Now that he knows what he'll need to be doing and he's met a few of the teachers we'll be starting our next session on July 20th. He's done so much in this class and is so independent!! We'll take him to the pool on the weekends or later afternoon and we'll let him wear his arm floats, and he wants nothing to do with us. He'll tell us that he can do it all by himself. Sometimes he flips over and can't get back up, but that's usually when he's in the life jacket instead. Anyways, he's a champ and has been a little water bug from day 1. He loves going under and we've only had one accident where he went under a little longer than he would of liked, but he came up and got over it pretty quick.

Smiling at me. About to get into the water.

Practicing our back float

Singing a song, about to go under the water.

Blowing bubbles

Practicing our kicking

Certification for Caleb saying what he's accomplished from the class!!

Around the House

Here are a few pictures taken around the house before daycare and on Sunday before church. Just wanted to share them with you all.

Caleb's still in swim lessons and our last session of the PS1 (swimming with mom or dad) will end this Friday. I'm excited because he really enjoys the water, so hopefully when we sign him up for the next session he'll be comfortable swimming with the instructor.

One of Caleb's many faces.

One morning before daycare

Bowling Day

Here are some pictures from the end of June. We decided to take Caleb to the bowling alley and hang out for a few hours playing games and having pizza. Caleb got to play some games while we waited on our pizza, and before and after that, we bowled. I think Caleb had the highest score in one game beating us both!! That's so sad seeing in how at one point no one was even close to 100 points!!