Up the ladder

One great event was able to happen while we were in Cuba. Hubby was pinned First Lieutenant by the Commander ... and LMA. Courtesy of a military photographer, we were able to bring home images. Although the occasion was last minute, it was so great for both boys to be able to go to see exactly where Daddy works. Ok, not exactly, but just outside the gate.

All around the base is history and its nice to be able to share that with the boys. Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture of the plaque for this piece of history, but I made my own with this photo. Every day both boys seemed to take in every little piece of something new that this base had to offer. I would live here in an instant if the military moved us there. Alas, they will not because hubby is not active duty. Some people say certain places are made to vacation in only. For a week here and there and then you go home. I say, where ever your family is, is home. Even if it is in the Caribbean.

A great family photo

On top of John Paul Jones hill stands one of four windmills for the base. Here, is where I think, I captured a great family photo! Not only because you can see the base, the bay, and the island in the distance, but, well. Lets face it. I look great after 15 weeks of working out!

Carl, this one is for you courtesy of hubby.

Another fun one

Preparedness for hurricane season was in full effect while we were there with the family. So just to show that we too can be ready, because to be honest every time we heard a siren I didn't see anybody anywhere flinch in any general direction, we found a bunker. These are actually the ones that are close to the camps that we aren't allowed to talk about or even be near. Where we actually hide out in the event of an actual emergency? No idea.

We took a visit to the local library which was a nice relief in the middle of the afternoon sun. Thankfully it was loaded with huge stuffed animals to climb on, a pillow pit to jump into, and of course good books. But don't be fooled. It was a small library.

Look, it's Iggy!

With Iguana Crossings, "Don't Feed the Iguanas" signs, and a large reptile under each palm tree bobbing his head to claim his territory you would have thought these guys were pets. And boy can these suckers move for some food. Oops. Wasn't suppose to say that.

Our first full day

Our first full day in Cuba was so much fun. It started at the beach for the entire morning until lunch. Apparently the beach was way too much fun for BBZ because he passed out in the car on the way home. Next time we knew better to bring lunch so he could pass out and be fine. The post has a playground on practically every corner and visited each one of them by the end of the week, but we definitely had our favorites. Then after dinner, we got to watch GITMO fire department in action put out a dumpster fire. Followed by chocolate popsicles dripping down each boys' arms from the heat made for some peaceful children come bedtime.

Welcome to Cuba Part 2

The road to Cuba was a very long one. We stayed near the Baltimore Airport the night prior because we needed to be there at 4am, 2 hours prior to the flight to fly Space Available with the military. LMA got sick on both flights and we still don't know why. He was fine 6 months previous when we flew across country to California. Either way, when we finally made it to Cuba it was like a breathe of fresh air for us. I think our family needs to be near the water, the ocean in particular. We crossed the bay and begin our family Cuba Adventure.

Oh, WoW!

Since we'd be in Cuba Easter Sunday, we celebrated with an egg hunt a few days early. Once BBZ learned there were jelly beans and other assorted candies in each of the plastic eggs, all bets were off. LMA was a great big brother helping him out in addition to stacking up his own stash.

No more curls!

As pictured, BBZ was NOT thrilled with his first haircut. Daddy and LMA were on either side of him, but he still didn't care. And unfortunately I had to pick the Korean Barber shop to get his first haircut done where they try to be perfectionists. Which is fine for hubby and his military crew cut or LMA who is a pro now, but not for the first haircut. Don't worry. After the lollipop he forgot all about it.

Daddy's Home!

LMA was SO excited to finally have Daddy home. The week home went by so fast, filled with lots of playing. All instructed and directed by LMA. Daddy had to adjust to having an 18 month old and a 4 year old all at once. Needless to say, LMA wanted Daddy all to himself. It took a few days of testing from LMA to see if Daddy was still Daddy who told him what to do or if he was just another playmate. Daddy passed with flying colors.

Let's Go Home

Although the week in Cuba by myself with hubby was relaxing, it was also very .... quiet. Hubby had to work the entire week (so he could take 2 full weeks with the family), so there were times in his house that it was deafeningly quiet. When I tried to put the tv on or play my ipod it was almost as if it was too loud. I was too far from the beach to walk there every day, so I got to work on my tan in the backyard. So, after a week long adventure hanging out by myself with hubby, I brought him home to see the kiddos.

A night run

My third run on the island, I decided to try it at night. Mainly because hubby wanted to do a nighttime scuba dive so I had nothing better to do. No where else in the world will you be more afraid of being attacked by Banana Rats and Turkey Vultures rather than being attacked by a human being.

Proof

Just in case you wanted actual proof that I was actually in Cuba, here's the local temp at 1:30pm. Oh and notice the Commanding Officer. Captain Kirk. Enough said.

Sweet Parking Spot

No where else will you EVER find a parking spot like this one. Right in the front of the Officer's Club at GITMO, 2nd LT spot. Unfortunately 2 weeks after this picture was taken, hubby was promoted to 1LT. Actually that's FORTUNATELY!

Continuing to Run

I stayed strong to my will to run and be ready for my 5K next month. Unfortunately, in Cuba you have to time your runs just right. Or at least the northern does. There were people running in the middle of the day with the sun beating down at 85 degrees. Coming from 58 degrees the day prior, I had some acclimation to do first.

MY Cuba Adventure

Welcome to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Where the weather is always hot and sunny. Keep in mind this is the Caribbean so 20 minutes out in the sun is like one hour in Virginia. Or maybe more because I was toast after the first day (more like burned lobster).