Cross It Off

So, I haven't yet written about what Matt and I did during his leave before he deployed or even a few weeks before then, but we actually have been crossing things off our list without even realizing it. It's actually fun to see how much we have accomplished this year since we wrote it out.

We took a hike around Lake O'Neil. It is just right on base, but it's scenic with all the trees around. They actually host racing events throughout the year there. Part of #49

Well, we did go to Vegas again (4th time)! We went during his leave and enjoyed ourselves. We were able to see two shows. The Peepshow with Holly Madison (which was awesome!!) and Cirque Du Soleil Mystere.  They both were great shows. So, that was #21 on our list. Hopefully when he gets back home, we will know whether or not when or where we will be moving to.

Oh, and while in Vegas, we got a couple's spa! I totally recommend getting one even if you're ticklish because I am so ticklish but after 5 minutes, it didn't phase me anymore. This was my first massage and it was heaven. I loved every minute of that hour! Matt enjoyed his too, this was his second. We both had a nice time in the spa. That was #60

(Unfortunately, we didn't take many pictures in Vegas)

We went to the shooting range. I think this time, Matt shot better than me unlike our last visit. Those brand new corrected eyes of his! Either way, we really had fun with that. I always walk out of there wanting to do law enforcement, but I don't think that will ever happen. #35

During his last month home, we also managed to: go to the movies (a lot), miniature golf, bowling, pumpkin patch, rock climbing, and Seaworld (we can get in for free 1 time every year). A few pictures are posted below.

 Not too many pictures of Seaworld due to camera battery died.

Birthday Pictures Galore!!

Yesterday was my husband's 24th Birthday! It's hard to believe that he is already 24 since the last time that we spent his birthday together was when he just turned 20. And it's even harder for me to believe that I've known him since he was 16 years old! Time has gone by fairly quickly. He is really excited to be home for his birthday.

16         -------------->          24

We didn't go out for his birthday or do anything too "special" for his birthday either but I am sure we will over the weekend. Instead, today I tried to make the day special while he was at work. I decorated our kitchen as if we were having a birthday party (I have no one else to celebrate for! ha, ha.)

I baked all day for his favorite dish, baked ziti! This was my first time making it and only my second time making homemade pasta sauce or as Matt calls it, gravy. I was worried that it might not turn out okay or great, but surprisingly it was awesome and Matt loved it. He labeled it "my best dish by far to date!" (you can find the recipe and almost all step by step instructions in this post). 

On top of baking dinner during the day, I also took time out to make him a cake and used homemade frosting, etc. (Recipe found here).


I really do treat him so well and love him a lot. I try to let it be known by telling and showing through my actions so I really wanted him to know it on his birthday. Of course, there is ice cream to go with the cake with the option of chocolate or vanilla!
And then what do you do after cake and ice cream? PRESENTS!

He loved all of his gifts. He was surprised when I bought him one of his favorite growing up video games, Duke Nukem.  Matt also received a new gaming headset that is 100x better than his old one. His old one is the standard cheap one that comes with the xbox. He has had that one for so long and it sometimes gives him issues when he's playing live during games. We hooked it up last night while he tried out his new video game and it is awesome! Makes me want to play just for that fact.

Aside from the gaming world, He got a bundle of rock climbing gear; which, including Evolv shoes, a harness, a bag to put his harness in (or whatever), Belay rappel, Carabiner, and Chalkbag! He cannot wait to get out there to use it! Who knows, maybe we will do that this weekend. 

Hail to the king Queen, baby!

Welcome Aboard!

This weekend has been such a blast. I've been enjoying spending time with Matt and being outdoors. The weather has definitely picked up and it's starting to feel like California, once again. I cannot wait until the summer comes around!!  

Yesterday (Saturday), Matt and I were out the entire day! We first went to the USS Midway Museum in San Diego early in the afternoon. We didn't realize how big the actual ship was until we got there.We were touring through the ship for about 2.5 hours! It was really interesting and a lot of fun.

We were able to sit in jets, helicopters, etc. Matt also saw a few planes that he's worked on before.

Here's a chopper Matt has worked on.

There was a boat race going on throughout the day. This made us want a boat!

Huge bridge going from San Diego to Coronado Island

Love this statue. Mother and son welcoming home the Dad from overseas. The facial expressions up close were awesome.

Doing the famous dipped kiss :)  Of course, this is our version since we're not in the exact pose or attire.

After the museum, we decided to go rock climbing. This was my first time trying to climb but Matt has gone a few times before and thought I would enjoy it; which, I did!

-- Getting my first lesson on belaying and tying a climb knot.

-- I accomplished my first wall to the very top.

-- Then I tried to boulder (which I think is very tough).

-- And before we left, I was able to climb up a few walls to the top. I was mainly proud that I accomplished a 5.5 with no issues. The higher the numbers, the tougher the wall and routes get.

--Top two pictures are a few views of Vertical Hold, the indoor climbing place. It's over 24,000 sq. ft. of climbing.

--Matt bouldering up a wall. He did an awesome job at bouldering and climbing!

--Both of us bouldering up a wall to take a picture.

At the end of the day when we came back home (12 hours later), Matt made a delicious pizza

and I noticed a new flower bloomed from pretty bouquet I put together.

It was a fun-filled day and we managed to cross off #14 and #74 on our list!

If you would like to see more pictures, keep and eye out for my facebook. I will upload them later on tonight or tomorrow. And don't forget, you can always enlarge the photos by clicking on them.