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!