Back from GTMO!

It's good to be back home, I got back 20Feb. You can check out a few pics in the link to the right. There aren't very many pics of the damage in Haiti. I was fortunate to get to even go to Cuba since I'm on shore duty. It was a good experience, and there's still a lot of work to do there. The first few weeks were pretty busy. Guantanamo Bay took a lot of the large aircraft that Port au Prince was not able to take. We ferried mostly water and MREs (meals ready to eat) or HDRs (humanitarian daily rations). There will be US military there through the summer, but mostly NGOs (non-government organizations) for many months to follow. The girls and I enjoyed playing together this week. Abby was exstatic when I jumped on her bed the Sunday morning I got home.

Maddie's Photo Session

We have Maddie's pictures!! They turned out so good. I will post a link to the album to the right.

Quilt Square

Nanny is making a quilt with cross stitched squares from each family. So, she asked me to make one for my family. Here is the finished product. I had done one years ago for Mom, London and I. I thought this represented our family well.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Girls in their matching shirts! Flowers from Daddy

Happy Valentines Day

Maddie's Photo Session

Maddie had the opportunity to be photographed by our friend Stephanie Beaty on Monday. Here is a link to her site with some of the pics. They turned out great!!!

HM14 in the News

via Joint Task Force Gitmo Public Affairs Officer, http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=44616

Approximately 20 Sailors from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Station Norfolk, VA, are currently providing support to Haiti from US Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in support of Operation Unified Response.

The crew is working around the clock to provide transport of cargo and personnel, both military members and media representatives, to areas in and out of Haiti, as a part of Task Force 48. Operating from Guantanamo Bay, TF-48 is coordinating air and sea assets in the delivery of immediate life-saving humanitarian assistance to Haiti.

"Our mission is critical due to helos being able to land in inaccessible areas," said Aviation Electrician's Mate 1st Class (AW/SW) Matthew D Shaw, the squadron maintenance leading petty officer.

The squadron operates the MH-53E Sea Dragon, a carrier-based and other warship-based helicopter. The Sea Dragon acts as a minesweeping aircraft, that can haul up to 55 troops and transport up to a 16-ton payload.

"As maintainers, we keep the aircraft flying," said Airman Richard P. Templin. "If we can't fly, we can't transport passengers and cargo."

Templin considers his job of high importance.

According to Templin, HM-14 has not only transported massive amounts of Meals, Ready to Eat and water, but has also transported Haitians injured in teh disaster to seek medical attention.

"I feel I have helped to do big things here and have played an integral part in Operation Unified Response," said Templin.

Shaw and his crew work continuously to support 15-20 flights each day, making his mechanics valuable assets for Operation Unified Response.

When your 4 year old gets herself dressed

This is what Abby came down in the other day!

Here is what we compromised on.

Comparison

Maddie

Abby @ 15 months

It is amazing to me how different the girls look from each other. Abby had so much more hair than Maddie does. The top two are recent pics of Maddie and the bottom one is of Abby. Thoughts? Anyone see any resemblance?

Happy Birthday Aunt Sara!

Happy Birthday Aunt Sara! I couldn't fiind a more recent pic of her and the girls because she is the one that is always behind the camera! We love you and hope you have a great day!

Snow, Round 2

Front Yard

Back Deck We had another snow storm today. This one was a Nor'Easter, so it rained all day yesterday and most of the morning and then changed over to snow. We got somewhere between a 1/4 inch and 3/4 inch probably but I'm sure the roads are very slick with all of the rain that is on them that has now frozen.

Girls Having Fun

Crafts, Crafts, Crafts

Sign for Abby's room so she can see Daddy when she misses him

Box for all of the stuff that we make for Daddy Shirt Abby made with Mackenzie

Handprint for the wall

Maddie's handprint

I have a couple other projects I am working on. I have a cross-stitch square I am working on for my grandma for a quilt and I have a wreath to make for the front door. We made Eric a shirt too but we are going to keep it a surprise!

Toy Drive for Mackenzie's Transplanniversary

Mat and Sarah have decided to do a toy drive for Mackenzie's one year anniversary of her transplant. Here is the link to their blog post. Abby had a good time picking out toys for the kids at Georgetown. It was a great teachable moment for her to learn about giving back when people help our friends and family. If anyone wants to donate toys they can send them to us and we will get them to Mat and Sarah.

Master Bedroom Redo

Master bath

Master before redo

Master after redo

I redid our bedroom this weekend. We went from gray walls with black and white bedding to haze (light brown) and new chestnut (darker brown) walls with green and cream bedding. It definately warmed up the room and now it flows better with our bathroom. I surprised Eric so he didn't know I did it until I was done! He loves it!

Another snow pic

Margaret took a picture of all of us in the snow yesterday. I thought you all would appreciate seeing me in a picture since I am usually the one taking the pictures. No, I don't have snow boots either I had to wear my normal dress boots (yes, they do have no slip on the bottom). Abby was having a great time falling in the snow, no wonder she was soaked when we came in!

Maddie is getting big!

Last night at dinner we had mashed potatoes and Maddie wanted to feed herself. She still doesn't grasp the concept of turning the spoon the right way but she was getting the food in so that was all she cared about. She has been helping me feed her so she has been getting lots of practice. She helps in the morning with her cereal by guiding it in her mouth.