Monday, May 12th

We were lucky enough to be chosen to attend the Marine Corps Educator Workshop in San Diego, CA. It was really hard to take five days off from school but the experience we got from this trip was worth it. On Monday we arrived in San Diego and checked into Humphrey's Half Moon Inn. That evening we had a we had a dinner where we were introduced to the Marines that would be with us all week.

Tuesday, May 13th

The educators met early Tuesday morning to begin the four day educator's conference. Our drill instructor started to prepare us for the dreaded "yellow footprints" that would follow once we arrived at the depot.

We watched recruits tackle some physical challenges while we were there. As we walked around the depot we saw a lot of groups practice their drill.

It was very eye-opening to watch the drill instructors "motivate" these young men!

At the swim tank they demonstrated the gear that the recruits had to wear while swimming. To demonstrate what swim instructors are required to do, one of the Marines swam the 50 yards of the pool in one breath (about 60 sec.)!

At the end of the day, the educators got a chance to try out the bayonet assault course. Kent was lookin' good!

Wednesday, May 14th

On Wednesday we got a chance to see the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. We had a great time climbing around the air craft and learning about them from their repairmen and pilots.

Thursday, May 15th

We loaded the buses at 5:15am this morning. We drove to Camp Pendleton where we would stay for the day's activities. Today we got to experience one of the most moving experiences on the trip. The recruits that experience the Crucible are in their third phase of training. They are pushed mentally and physically by lack of food and sleep during the 55 hour period.

We were able to watch the group of Marines walk the final leg of their journey and then receive their Eagle, Globe and Anchor which symbolizes their transition to United States Marine.

[above] We were able to watch the recruits target practice. [below] We even got to try target practice with the machine guns and pistols. This was one of the most entertaining parts of the tour.

The educators got a chance to try to some of the teamwork challenges that the recruits face during parts of the Crucible.

At the end of the very long day, we went to the Assault Amphibious Vehicle School where were able to look in the vehicles and watch a demonstration.

Friday, May 16th

These were many of the Marines we spent the five days with.

We pose with Lance Corporal Molly (the bulldog) who is the mascot of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot.

During the graduation ceremony, we were able to watch the Marine band. They played both jazz and traditional marches. We wish we could get our bands marching so perfectly in step!

Update

Almost 27 weeks! :)

Kent hosted the 2nd annual Cashmere Valley Beginning Band Festival. This is a combination of Leavenworth, Cashmere and Lake Chelan's beginning bands. It's quite a sound!

Today we got back from the Manson Apple Blossom Festival. It was perfect weather for a parade (cloudy) and the crowd was very receptive. Above is Kent's middle school and below is Annie's.

Better Photos from Parade

We found these photos on the Wenatchee World website. They give a more clear view of the bands in the parade.

Ultrasound Photos

Today we had an ultrasound in Wenatchee. It was fun to see how our baby's face developed. She was in a breached position again, so they had a hard time photographing the spine. She weighs one pound and 12 ounces. It was so cool to feel the kicks and watch them happen at the same time!

Belly!

Tomorrow is 26 weeks only 14 more to go! Today was the first day that people asked me about my pregnancy that hadn't already known. I guess it's pretty obvious by now. We have an ultrasound appointment tomorrow. We are both excited to see our baby again and maybe get a few good photos!

Today we had a great bike ride up Mission Creek Road. It was Caitlin's first time up in that area of Cashmere and she loved it. The weather has improved and it seems to have brightened everyone's spirits.

Grand Apple Blossom Parade

Sorry for the poor camera quality... here are some photos from the parade this morning.

Kent and his Cashmere High School Marching Band.

Annie and her Cascade High School Marching Band.