Mimi's Visit and More

December started off with a bagful of fun! In just 8 days, we managed to squeeze in lots of things to do and see...

Sophia played dress-up with Sara and Cami while Mommy attended nutrition class.

One day of dress up is not enough for this girl. Sophia had her friend Shelby over for a playdate and the two were ready to paint the town pink!

Sophia displays the Advent calendar that Mommy made for her and Gianni...that's a lot of treats!

Then Mimi came all the way from Ohio and the fun really started!

We put up the Christmas tree. It took Mommy a few broken bulbs before she realized that only non-breakable ornaments could be in Gianni's reach.

We had a small bit of snow so the kids took full advantage. Gianni looks on as Sophia made a snow angel.

But Mommy, it is never too cold to swing!

Mimi, Sophia, and Gianni relax and watch a good movie.

Gianni shows Mimi how he can eat a stalk of celery in three bites.

We heard that Santa was going to be at the Bill Memorial Library, so we stopped by to see!

Sophia looks on as Gianni thinks, "wait, where is Mommy?"

There is Sophia but who is this guy?

And the realization finally hits him...he is being held by a stranger in a bright red suit.

Mimi, Sophia, and Gianni pose in front of the Christmas tree.

Sadly, we had to take Mimi to the airport and say good-bye. But Mimi promises she will be back to visit soon!

More Deployment Pictures

We were blessed to know that John and the crew pulled in safely to another port. John has some pictures to share.

Editor's note: Some of these pictures are not for the faint of heart.






John and the gents show-off their new facial hair. John is the one in the middle who looks like Joe Dirt. (I told you not to look if you were weak).



Joe (the COB), John and Brad (the XO) seem somewhat proud of their accomplishment...to look like Grizzly Adams.



John got a chance to meet up with some USNA classmates in port...Heidi, John and Dino - '91 Sir!



COB and John get a chance to relax in Bahrain.

Almost-winter fun

It is almost winter time, so we indulged in a few pre-winter activities. Most of our funsters moved indoors as the weather started to cool. This month was a milestone. Gianni went to see his first movie.


Sophia and Gianni are very excited about their enormous bags of popcorn.



Mommy, we should eat popcorn all the time, for every meal!

Giannni had fun...until the popcorn stopped flowing. That was the end of his first movie-going experience.

On to some more fun...Nana pushes the kids in a laundry basket.

There is no greater fun than sitting in a laundry basket!

Gianni helps Mommy eat her pumpkin mousse.


Who says swimming is just for summer time. Gianni and Mommy practice their strokes at swim class...

Only twenty more laps to go.


Finally, it was time for the annual Christmas tree lighting and boat parade in downtown Mystic. We joined Gina and Kevin for a fun night out.

Sophia and Brooke stay warm with the Christmas tree in the background.

Mommy finally captures Gianni long enough for one more photo!


It would not be "almost-winter" without the chore of covering the boat. Brenda provides visual documentation that the task is complete for John's benefit. Thanks to Harvey for helping (and by helping I mean doing everything) to get the boat covered!

Bow aspect.

Target angle...350.

Family Gatherings

November saw the celebration of several family events. We started off with Vincent's 7th birthday...what fun!



Vincent gets ready to blow out the candles on his cupcake-cake while Sophia looks on longingly.



Happy Birthday Vinny!




Sophia and Gianni clear their places to make room for the cake.

Vin opens a great gift...D-Rex from Grammie.

The party moves outside for a bit of fall fun. Mike and Vin rake up the leaves...

RJ and Sophia jump in pile.

Where's Papa? He is sleeping as usual. Wake up Papa!


A bit later in the month, we gather once again at Nana and Papa's house for a Thanksgiving celebration. We have so much for which to be thankful!

Gianni, Sophia, and Mommy pose for a picture while everyone is still dressed nicely (that did not last too long).

Gianni indulges in a piece of cake, most of which sticks around his mouth, rather than going in it.

Cheryl and Grammie have a few laughs.

Brenda and Jason are happily full of turkey.

Nonni shows Papa how to use his new phone.

Gianni kicks back and enjoys a night cap.

Nana smiles as she contemplates the many dishes she will soon be washing.

The gang.

Rich, Cherie, and Cheryl.

The obligatory kitchen photo...Jason, Grammie, Nana, Papa, and Brenda.

Deployment Pictures - November

John has been very busy. However, in his latest port call, he had the chance to send a few pictures. I guess it is NOT all work and no play!

Wetting Down Dinner

What a group of handsome guys!

Brad, Tim (CO of USS HOPPER), John and Jana (HOPPER is Jana's XO tour)

Chris, John, and Jeremy step out for a drink in Scotland.

Driving on the surface.

He manages some time for a quick cigar while transitting.

Sunrise.

Getting some fresh air.

Poker night onboard the boat (John looks like he is bluffing).

Chiefs' pinning ceremony.

Chiefs' pinning continued.

On the pier with Engineering Department. (John is on the right...he is in cammies, so you might not be able to see him).

Captain Clarke and Captain Litherland visit underway.

Four new qualified submariners!

The Wardroom underway...have I mentioned my thoughts on growing beards at sea, or anywhere else for that matter?

Thank you John for keeping us current with your goings-on!