Our visit with Carl

The first week of February we left to go visit Carl in Camp Pendleton, California.  I had mixed emotions about going.  It was so heart wrenching saying goodbye to Carl the first time.  Jack had wandered around the house looking for him, and calling for him.  It took about a week before "Daddy" was replaced with "Doggy," and Jack took full advantage of being the boss of Herme and George:)

 

Jack before we left for our big trip...feeling much better

Despite Jack getting a terrible case of Foot and Mouth disease only a week before we left, he cleared up in time and we decided to make the voyage to California.   I was 30 weeks pregnant at the time, and Jack sat on my lap for most of the trip.  He was a great traveler, and we were very lucky that on two of the four flights Jack got his own seat.  This didn't stop him from wanting to sit on Mommy though.  We entertained ourselves by taking playdough, pulling it off in small pieces and putting it on the window and the tray in front of us.  This somehow provided hours of entertainment!

When we got to California, it was pretty late.  Although it was late for Jack, he was still really excited to see Carl.  He totally remembered him, and went right to him.  Within five minutes of seeing him, he fell asleep.  I think he was waiting to see Dad before he went off to dreamland.  

It is about about 45 minute drive from San Diego to the base.  When we got to the base, Carl surprised me with a cottage on the beach.  It was base accommodations but beautiful living conditions.  Besides hearing the waves crash right outside your window, there was the huge playground about 150 feet away from our door!  

Jack woke up the next morning, and went running to the playground.  Carl helping him on the slide.

The view from our room and the playground

Jack LOVES to climb!

Daddy giving Jack a bath in the sink.  The cottage only had a stand up shower, and it was pretty dark and all stone.  This was easier for both of my guys.

All clean!!!  Carl purchased a bunch of  hot wheel trucks and when Carl and Jack skype they  play with their trucks via video!

Jack and Daddy at lunch on the water

Jack and Dad walking on the beach.  

Carl was surprised to see what a good runner Jack had become

Playing in the sand

Carl and Jack found some rocks on the beach and played with them 

Barefoot and happy

Jack playing on the beach as the sun goes down

Giggling after falling down

A pretty evening from our room

Jack LOVES when Carl throws him up in the air

He laughs so loud when he comes down

Getting ready for the throw...

Jack does a flip in the air....an unplanned event

It works out well!

More airtime

SO Happy!!!

Jack and I really had a wonderful time.  At night, they had a bonfire area in front of each cottage.  Carl and I would put Jack to bed and make a fire outside on the beach.  It was a lot easier leaving from California, as we knew we had already begun the clock towards Carl coming home.  As we said goodbye at the airport, Carl said "Now, you go have me a baby!!!" and that is what I plan to do in TWO weeks!