Yes, David...

Growing up, my family wasn't very big on the santa thing while Billy's family was. All he knows about Santa, he gets from his dad. So, this year, David is getting into the spirit of Christmas. The spirit I'm speaking of is the "what am I getting for Christmas and what can I ask Santa to get me" spirit. Well, ever since the holiday trimmings and decorations have been up in stores (September, basically), I've been saying to David, "You know Santa isn't real, right?" His response has been, "I know."

So, when we finally moved onto base housing, we were able to stop for a bit in our unpacking and attend Billy's work Christmas party. For this party, we were asked to bring in a present with our son's name on it for Santa to present to him. (Whatever happened to giving out candy cane?) Anyway, earlier David had asked for a Buzz Lightyear and we found one, got it wrapped up, gave it to Santa so he could give it to David. When David's turn came, he got on Santa's lap and proceeded to freeze. Santa handed him his gift, a quick picture was taken, and off of Santa's lap David jumped. He walked toward us, holding his gift, in a daze, like he'd just met his biggest idol. Then he opened his gift and found his Buzz Lightyear.

He still looks dazed :)


Now, whenever I ask David, "You know Santa's not real, right?" He just says, "Yes, he is! I met him!" His dad couldn't be happier and I...well, to be honest, I have been using Santa as a means to keep David a well-behaved boy. I mean, come on! What mom wouldn't?

My little peacemaker

The other day, I was a bit upset with Billy and speaking rather loudly to him. David pipes up from his little corner where he was playing with his cars, "Mommy, I know how to make you happy. I will dust your room for you!" He proceeded to get up, got the duster and started dusting. I laughed. It definitely made me feel better and took the wind out of my sails. I'm sure Billy was grateful, too.

Makin' the bacon

A conversation between David and Billy.

David: Daddy, can we play trains all day tomorrow.

Billy: No, buddy. Remember what I told you?

David: I know...you have to go to work and make the bacon.

Never Ending October

I thought October would never end! Now it's finally and actually Halloween...what did we do to celebrate? Why we went to Outback Steak house! Yea us! Nothing but excitement at the Lyman household. Actually, I want that to be a new tradition. Go out for Halloween and forget this trick-or-treating business.

It's actually been an eventful October for us. First Billy was promoted then left the very next day for a couple of weeks to inspect the reserve unit in California. David and I hung around Albany and explored the area a bit. We went to Chehaw Play Park which he absolutely loved and has constantly begged to go back. One night, he even prayed about it. "Please bless mommy. Help her to take me to Chehaw Park tomorrow." We also went and checked out a local diner that was rated one of the best on Urbanspoon and some random, kind-hearted stranger paid for our meal. I have to say, that I'm rather fond of Georgia and the southern hospitality. People will speak to you and say "hi!" It's great!

This time of year is filled with lots of festivals and activities. There's the Harvest Festival, Peanut festival (on a side note: boiled peanuts=disgusting), pumpkin patches...I guess you just have to know where to look. Not that we attended any of them. My old brain does not ever remember the dates or times for them. However, the base had a bunch of activities for the kids and we attended most of them.

The first one was the CDC fall festival. Child Development Center, in case you were wondering. No disease festivals this year...sad, I know :) The CDC had little games and activities in each of the rooms in their care center such as the cake walk, bowling, cookie decorating, etc. It was fun to see kids dressed up in their costumes, going from room to room and getting their treats. David was Superman that day.

Always shy and hesitant at first, then the loudest kid by the end.







Our next outing was the harvest festival. They had bouncy houses set up, free food, hay rides, trunk-or-treating, and a movie in the park. David decided to be Thomas that day.

My little Thomas, so proud of the pumpkin on his face.

Daddy and Thomas











Then, building 3500 and 3700 had trick-or-treating at their offices for all the CDC kids. I think it was just an excuse to get out of work for a little while. Either way, the kids loved it and it was darling to see them all dressed up. David wanted to be superman again.

Superman and Minnie Mouse

David and cute little, Lily

Such a super little man!

All the candy from all his activities and trick-or-treating still to come.







Here in Albany, I'm told they always have trick-or-treating on Saturdays. We took David to base housing and let him trick-or-treat there. Sadly, Billy wasn't able to come because he was the marine on duty for that day. We met up with friends and let the kids loose. David had so much fun! I developed blisters on my toes. So, if it seems like we weren't very celebratory for Halloween...well, it's only because it's been Halloween for the last couple of weeks. Looking forward to November and hopefully, moving into a house!

Jacksonville, FL:

To escape the insanity of living in a motel, we decided to take a little break over labor day and headed for Jacksonville, FL. Nothing could be better than a weekend at the beach. A beautiful beachside hotel, lovely weather, and a great location, this was definitley a great way to ease the stress of being kind of homeless. I can definitely see us retiring in Jacksonville.



Running on the beach with his dad


Look at my tan!


Fun in the sand!



Beach baby!

At the Jacksonville Zoo. We were hoping to see the manatees here, but to no avail. Oh well, photo ops.



FYI if anyone ever ends up in Jacksonville on Jackson beach, the best restaurant to try is called Sliders! Such delicious, fresh food! Yum!