Marc went back to work this last week (he had some time off to help unpack and settle in). Friday he got to play in the band for President Obama. They had some 10,000 people (mostly servicemen/women) assembled to hear Obama's remarks. They flew in on a helicopter and flew out on the helicopter. They also visited Ft. Stewart's Warrior's Walk which is a garden walk with young trees dedicated to fallen soldiers. They followed the event on one of the news channels and *technically* Marc was on TV.... or rather his legs were, he was on a stage right behind where the president entered so the camera caught a small part of the band for a minute.
We went to an early church service (surprisingly hard to find here in the south) and then headed to Tybee Island. Jaxter heard Marc and I discussing our lunch options and requested, rather insistently, that he wanted fish. After deciding on a place to eat Marc spotted a parking place and exclaimed "Hot dog!" out of excitement which made Jaxter cry "Noooooo, I wanted fish!". He did get his fish and liked it (surprisingly) .... the ketchup he requested on top of it probably helped. =)
The beach was busy but we found our own little square of sand and path to the waves and the boys jumped right in (literally). The most favorite activity was going out in the waves with Dad and jumping as each one approached and then racing the water back to the sand. Eventually they were shivering and we had to put a sad end to being in the water so we dug holes, built a big hill and sat in the sun to warm up. Back in the car and on our way home Jaxter didn't make it 2 minutes before passing out from exhaustion. Desmond made it about 10 minutes and then he was gone as well. It was a great day and the boys are becoming more and more tolerant to sun block.
Today was the final Month of the Military Child event. It was a big deal. They had at least 20 different bouncy houses set up, face painting, crafts, cotton candy, funnel cakes, hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones, juice, prizes, music. It was great. We went right away hoping to avoid the crowd but everyone had that idea. We still had fun and had plenty of turns on each of the activities. And now we are taking it easy for a little quiet time.
Our "groove" is slowly emerging. There are still a few boxes to be sorted and put away but for the most part everything is in its place and we are almost looking somewhat normal. Although Marc will be busy with 'gigs', the boys and I have lots to do and stay busy with. There are two splash pads here on post, two pools and an indoor playpark if we run out of things to do.
Boys doing playdough while Marc and I hang pictures (well, I was telling Marc where to hang pictures, Marc was doing the actual hanging).
Busy beach on Tybee Island.
Jax loved the waves.
One fun activity was to get water from the waves. They would take their bucket and run up to the wave and snatch up some water and run away before the wave had a chance to get their feet. I don't know how they decided this was a game to play but it occupied a lot of time.
Jumping over waves with Dad.
Jaxter's turn.
Requisite being buried in the sand.
Jaxter helping.
Warming up.
First-ever snow cones.
The hot dogs were served with celery and carrots and both boys immediately transferred their "salad" to my plate.... I did something wrong in their upbringing....
One of the bouncies.
You can't see it too well, but there were three rows of bouncies and then some set up.
Cotton candy. It feels so weird but tastes so good!
Desmond jumping the waves.
Jaxter jumping the waves (watch in between Marc's legs and you'll see Jax bouncing in anticipation).
