LTJG Clarkson

This coming Friday (technically it was supposed to be Monday, but who's counting???), Rob was supposed to be promoted to LTJG.  Well, they surprised him tonight and promoted him at an event for the wardroom.  

Notice everyone is in civilian clothes?  Normally, at a promotion ceremony everyone would be in uniform.  The event was after hours, and not on the ship.  And, like I said, a surprise to Rob, so no uniform!

I can't believe it's been two years since Rob was commissioned.  Time sure does fly!  Congratulations, Rob!

Our Nation's Capital

This weekend Rob and I took a spur of the moment trip to Washington DC.  Okay, I say "spur of the moment", but actually we planned it the previous week.  Hey, that's spur of the moment for me!  I booked a hotel 5 blocks from the White House with access to the Metro in the basement.  We both requested Friday off from work.  I set up a 'babysitter' for Annabelle, and that was the extent of our planning.  I had never been to DC (other than passing through) and Rob had been once when he was younger.

There's so much to do that we couldn't fit it all in on our weekend trip.  Try as we might, it just wouldn't work.  Friday I wanted to walk everywhere, because I wanted to see the city and get my bearings.  Boy was I regretting that by the end of the night!  The first day we went to the White House (just for viewing not a tour), the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and the Holocaust Museum.  Phew, I'm tired just typing it all!

The second day, we decided to take the Metro (DC's subway system) everywhere.  Luckily, I had a 'World Traveler' with me, and he knew exactly how to read the maps.  Saturday we went to the Capitol Building (went on a quick tour), the Supreme Court (closed), the National Archives, Arlington National Cemetery and a Ghost Walk.

DC is such a beautiful city!  I say that now, because I do not have to deal with the traffic.  I'm sure I'd be singing a different tune if I did.  I already can't wait to go back!  I'm definitely going to listen to Rob next time though.  We will take the Metro EVERY day we are there.   My feet are still hurting.

Labor Day Weekend

This weekend Rob, Annabelle and I drove to Holly Springs, NC to visit my friend, Diana, and her family.  Diana was my Matron of Honor in our wedding last year.

Holly Springs is about 15 miles from Raleigh and only a 3.5 hour drive for us.  We arrived in NC slightly before 7:00 PM Friday night.  Danny (Diana’s husband) grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for all of us.  We were greeted with good food and big hugs from Diana and Danny’s two children, Kaitlyn and Connor.  

They also have a 5 month old cockapoo (half cocker spaniel, half poodle), Colt.  Colt was just a little “smitten” with Annabelle, if you get my drift.   Annabelle was very subdued this weekend.  She was the calm one!  Both Rob and I were surprised over that one.  After dinner, we walked the dogs around the neighborhood.

The next day we all went to the NC History Museum.  There were some very interesting exhibits on Pirates, Sports and the Military.  The one I remember the most was the Military exhibit.  Not because Rob is in the military, but because of the volunteer at the end of the exhibit.  The volunteer had various WWII memorabilia spread out on a table right outside of the Military exhibit.  He stopped Connor to show him the various items on the table.  Connor is somewhat shy, so it took a little while for the volunteer to engage him.  My husband was immediately intrigued though.  Rob is very interested in WWII history.  Rob listened intently as the man spoke.  And I saw awe on Rob’s face when the volunteer brought out two cylinders filled with sand marked ‘Utah’ and ‘Omaha’.  The sand was from the beaches the US invaded on D-Day.   Here are a few pictures from the museum trip.

Later that night, Danny’s friend, Jason, and his wife, April, met the grown ups out for dinner.  After dinner we went to Rum Runners.  Rum Runners is a dueling piano bar in Raleigh.  It was a lot of fun singing and dancing along with the entertainers. 

Sunday, Rob played Rock Band with Connor most of the day.  Later that day, Danny grilled steaks.  It was definitely our kind of meal!  Rob, Annabelle and I left around 6:00 PM Sunday evening.  Rob had to work a couple of hours Monday. 

We had a wonderful time hanging out in Holly Springs.  Thanks so much for a fun time.  We love you guys!

Bored

Rob and I were bored one Sunday and Annabelle was our victim. Poor thing!