I made no promises...

So, if you'll remember when I started this blog, I said that I would probably start out strong with frequent updates and postings, and then the "Katie" would kick in, and I would not post anything for a long time. Well, here it is, the proverbial update post! I told, ya. No promises. Anyway, here's what's been going on lately...I went home to MN the first weekend in November and had a great, relaxing time in the rain/snow/wind/cold! Thanks everyong for the fun times!!! To those who I was not able to meet up with, hopefully it won't be one year and nine months before I get home again! Otherwise, Southern CA is a pretty decent place to visit - hint, hint. :-) Here are a couple of photos from my trip home:

The first is of the snowy day that I spent in Minneota (for those that don't know, that's a small town where my Dad grew up, and yes, it's spelled correctly!); the second is of the house where I grew up; and the third photo is of me and my friend Missy and her awesome kids, Jon, Grace & Daniel. They stopped by and surpised me - thanks guys! Like I said, it was a really great trip. Thanks everbody!

The weekend after I got back, I got to spend a day out on ship with Chris! We weren't too sure what to expect, but it ended up being a GREAT day. I got to see and do a lot of really cool stuff, and I have a much better idea of what Chris will be doing during deployment. Here's a few pics from my day aboard the USS Boxer...And, no, the weapon isn't loaded. I just look cool!

This past weekend, Chris and I attended one of my favorite/least favorite USMC events - the 233rd USMC Birthday Ball. We weren't sure if Chris was going to be home in time to attend (he got home late Thursday night), but with a little bit of "forward thinking" on the part of the Wife, the uniform was ready, and we were able to go. For those that don't know, the Birthday Ball is a a formal ceremony to celebrate the Birthday of the USMC. The ceremony is steeped in tradition, complete with a Birthday Cake! It's a night where everyone gets dressed in formal attire, and celebrates the phenomenon that is the US Marine Corps. It's kind of like prom for Marines. :) I say that it is one of my favorite and least favorite events. I really like the tradition and the ceremonial part of the Ball, but I could do without some of the rest. We did have a good time, and since this would be our last B-day Ball, we made the most of it, complete with the Birthday Photo...

And, here are a couple of funny photos from the evening:

Well, now you're all caught up. Again. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

The USMC & Navy in action!

Today, the families of the Marines and Sailors attached to the 13th MEU were invited to come out to Red Beach (a Camp Pendleton Beach used for trainings) to watch some of the "practice" maneuvers. It was really cool to see some of the operations that are carried out by the various elements of the MEU. Below are a few photos from today: the first is of a few helicopters; the second is of some of the vehicles used by the ground elements of the MEU; the third is of an LCAC (a vehicle used to transport troops from ship to shore); and the fourth photo is of the USS Boxer (center), the ship Chris will call home during the deployment, and the Comstock (left), another ship that is part of the 13th MEU.