Happy Easter!

The practice paid off - Dylan and his cousins had a great Easter Egg Hunt!

Easter Egg Practice

We were all excited about the Easter Egg Hunt - so much so, that we thought that a Saturday practice session was in order.  Dylan loved running around in the back yard of Grandma and Grandpa's house.  He got off to a great start...

But the morning wasn't without a few set-backs...better luck tomorrow!

Frequent Flyer

The little man has been airborne so often that he's now on a first name basis with most of the United and Southwest pilots - here he his hanging out in the cockpit, talking about recent developments in the Airline industry with the Captain of Southwest Flight 1460 to Milwaukee:

Safety at Sea

In the wake of the disastrous 1979 Fastnet Yacht Race which claimed the lives of 15 sailors the US Naval Academy began a seminar entitled "Safety at Sea" to focus on offshore boat preparation, weather forecasting,  heavy weather sailing and survival.  That seminar endures today and each spring we partner with the Maryland Marine Trades Association to educate Midshipmen and civilian sailors in the safe operation of offshore sailboats.  My staff put on a truly world-class event, moderated by John Rousmaniere and Ralph Naranjo.  It was a great refresher in the risks of offshore sailing - and a great opportunity to meet some of the foremost experts on the water.  Briefing slides from the event are available online.

Naval Academy Sailing

I've been settling into my new position as the Director of Naval Academy Sailing.  It's a great job - that probably goes without saying.  The program is actually far more complex than I could have imagined - 160+ sailboats in the fleet, a 6 acre marina, a mixed staff of Navy officers and enlisted sailors, Government civilians and athletic department coaches, 20+ funding sources, a charitable foundation and an advisory board.  I'm trying to get out on the water as much as possible but each day brings new challenges.  I'm very fortunate to have an amazing staff.  Within my civilian ranks are veterans of the Whitbread/Volvo Around the World Race, the Americas Cup, former Olympic hopefuls and a Collegiate Sailor of the Year.

We'll be right back...

Sorry we've been radio silent for a few months.  We're settling into a new life in Annapolis Maryland and will be back up online shortly!

Skiing at Keystone

We've bypassed the amazing back-bowls of Vail for the more family oriented experience of Keystone, Colorado 40 miles to the east.  The snow this year was miserable with a scant 38 inch base (and that was probably all man-made!).  Still, we had a great time in the mountains, got a few runs in and put Dylan on skis for the first time (at 2 years old!).  The best I can say is that he didn't hate it - and I think he's looking forward to getting back out there.  In addition to the skiing we put the little man on a new pair of snowshoes - great for stomping around...and we explored a huge ice fort at the top of the mountain.  One great aspect of Keystone is the night skiing - rare in Colorado.  Michelle and I took turns in the evening, ripping a few solo runs without the little man.  Overall a great family vacation - we're already planning another early January trip for 2013!

D on Skis!

Follow me...

Kings of the Ice Castle

Snowshoe stompy to the Mountain Top

The Top of the Mountain

5K Fun Run for Dylan and Mum

Ready Set Go!!

Go Go Mumma

I decided that it would be good fun for Dylan and I to participate in a local 5k fun run. We started with Dylans run, he was very excited to do his run, but paitiently waited at the line for the start. He did a great job made it all the way to the end to collect his medal. Next it was time for me to do the 5K, Dylan was very motivating, telling mummy go go go, it was a little easier for him he got to ride on my back. He even enjoyed cooling me down at the water stations by tipping water on my head, he thought it was really funny. My time wasn't that great, but all in all it was a great family day, just wish Les was there to join us.

Rock climbing

Dylan and I are enjoying a lot of weekend adventures over this summer. This time it was a morning hike to great falls with some rock climbing thrown in for fun. It is good exercise for me to carry about 40lbs on my back, but after a while it is time for Dylan to do some walking. We took a look at the falls and then hiked down to the waters edge for a picnic where there were lots of boulders for Dylan to climb all over. He really was great at climbing over the rocks, I think next time we will bring a rope and harness.

Summer Fun at the pool

During the sweltering days of July we were able to get to the local pool for some fun. Dylan really enjoys the pool and had a great time having swimming races with the other kids in the pool even if he wasn't wining. The water slide was also a big hit, but of course he wanted to go on the big water slide but he didn't quite make the height requirements. He stretched up as much as possible but I think the life guard saw right through that.

Shaving

On our recent visit to Spain Dylan thought he was quite the man and it was time to start shaving, and he also thought Daddy needed a shave too.

Arizona

The windy scenic roads of Sedona, it is truly a
beautiful place. We managed to have a quick
getaway to Arizona before Les left. We had a
great holiday, hiking site seeing and generally
relaxing in the wonderful Cabin we had.


Sunset is the perfect time to see the mountains



Dylan was very excited to be in the zeep, but
only managed to stay awake through half of it.
And yes it was the off road bit that was incredibly
bumpy that he fell a sleep on.



We took a great senic helicopter flight which
Dylan was very excited about he thought it
was pretty good being able to wear the headset
and talk to the pilot.


Dylan was having a fun time practicing
"freezing", we had be trying to teach him to stop
when we say freeze and he was having a great time
practicing his very stylish stop.
He was quite the adventurer that day, we went
for a hike in one of the many canyons in the area.
Les carried Dylan all the way down the trail, but
on the way back Dylan wanted to hike with
Mummy and Daddy. He certainly did a really
good job, hiking or running most of the way, a few
tumbles, but a dust off and kisses on the boo boo's
and he was off again.
It was great to spend some family time together.

Visiting the Big Boat

Les had a Duty day on a Sunday, so Dylan and I decided that we would go to visit Dada on the Big Boat (The Carrier George H.W. Bush) and take him some Sushi for Dinner. It was a good way to get Dylan use to the idea of where his Daddy will be when he is deployed. Dylan went for an explore around the boat including where Daddy works and sleeps, we even got to see what Les does at work, watch the Simpson's all day :). It was quite an enjoyable evening for us and a great way to make the most of Les being on Duty on the weekend.

Tennis is a dangerous game

Dylan was going out for a game of tennis and given how dangerous it can be he decided he should put some goggles on.

Fathers Day: A Salute to Daddy

I’m Happy You’re My Dad
Dear Daddy, I miss you very much,
But I know you are on the big boat
Helping keep things safe,
I am so proud you are my Daddy.
I feel safe when you are with me;

You show me fun things to do
And make me laugh;

You make my life much better;

The best father I know is you.
I’m very glad you’re my Dad

and so I want to say I love you Daddy,

and wish you

A Happy Daddy’s Day!

The picture is Dylan Saluting his Daddy on the carrier just before Les Left.