First day of school

 

First trip in NYC

Most people have a big party to celebrate making it to O4, but we chose to celebrate a little different.  Instead, we went in the city for the first time.  We learned that military get into a handful of places for free over the summer and the time was running out that weekend.  Also, thanks to one of Ben's co-workers, we got some really helpful tips that made our venture way smoother than I anticipated.  To be honest, I've never had the smallest desire to go to NYC, but I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed our. time.

We started at the MET.

Some of us were a little more excited about the museum than others ;)

We found a statue of Maya!  We actually saw "Maya's" in several artwork too and it was really fun to keep seeing her around the museum.

Our favorite spot was the Picasso/Monet/Van Gogh section.  We were hoping to find 'Starry Night' but learned it's actually at the MoMA, so we put it on our list to go next summer.

Then we got lunch from some food trucks in front of the museum.

After some yummy food, we walked down to the Guggenheim.

The kids and I have seen Mister Softee's trucks around (there's no buildings of it here and most people don't even understand the amazingness of it) and always joke that some day we're going to chase it down.  So when there was one just sitting in front of the Guggenheim, we had to get some!  It's still amazing, even from a truck.

Then we walked over the Central Park.

I am so glad we made this stop!  I had no idea how massive this place was and it was beautiful!

We circled around to the Belvedere Castle on our way back.

We probably should have stopped for a nice dinner, but we were all pretty wiped.  New York is fun, but also exhausting...and expensive.

Ben's Promotion

It was a big day!  We've waited for a year for Ben to pin on as 0-4 and were so excited when the day finally came.  Unfortunately, there were a lot of people out of town on the day and not able to make it, but I was still overwhelmed with gratitude for those who joined us in the Tun Tavern.  Will Stevens from our new church even came and helped take some pictures.

After the ceremony, all the marines lined up to shake Ben's hand.

Then it was time to celebrate!

Congratulations to Lieutenant Commander Shear!

We picked the kids up dinner and then headed out for our own little celebration.  We ended up at The Onion Tree in downtown Sea Cliff and then stopped by the concert in the park.

When we got back, we all had some cheesecake from the French bakery.  

I could write pages on why this day was a big deal.  While most just see a change of a pin, I see so much more.  I see the years of hard work and sacrifice.  I see all the lives that Ben has impacted and some literally saved.   I know there are so many parts of Ben's job that no one will even know about, that he carries on his own.  This day was a great opportunity to celebrate my favorite person and all that he has done.

Alison's first job!

  

Oh my Alison.  You got yourself your first job!  I'm still trying to process it all.  You would have worked when you were 8 if you could have.  You were always coming up with business plans or crafts to sell.  Remember that time you went door to door in Yuma, trying to sell oranges from our tree?  Remember selling lemonade and cookies with Lily in California?  You've always been driven and I've never doubted that you would do amazing things.

You've been researching jobs for over a year.  You sent out emails and chatted with managers who were interested in interviewing you, but you decided to wait until the end of summer so that you didn't start a job and then have to take time off for our trip to see family.  When we got home, you asked if you could walk to Sobol and just check out the situation.  Homeschooling came to your advantage and they were excited to hear that your hours were flexible.  They asked you to come back the next day to fill out an application and then asked you to come back the following day to start training!  And that was it!  Now you are rocking making acai bowls and smoothies!  You jumped into the world of working with a boss and co-workers and serving customers with ease.  I am so proud of you!  And a little sad that I can't sit in Sobol with you all day and watch you work.  BUT I'm so thankful that you are just right across the street and can come home for your breaks.

Jones Beach

We went to Jones Beach with our friends the Nieves' (Alison and Laura are missing from our outing).  This was our third time to this beach, but the Nieves' are the people to go with!  Both Kristyn and her mom were life guards at the beach for years and now get VIP access to special areas.  We ended our trip with gelato and it was THE BEST.

 

The beaches here are not the same as California, but we did get to experience a rarity here...whales!  There were 3 groups of them swimming fairly close to shore and the whole beach was cheering.  Kristyn has lived here her whole life, basically grew up on the beach and she said she's never seen whales here.

Fun food

 

 

Eli has really been wanting to try Korean corndogs, so when we found them at H-Mart, we had to try them.  They were not what I expected, but Eli loved them and it was fun to try something new.  AND if you need anything to make boba, H-Mart is your place.

 

 

Alison asked if I would teach her how to make kielke. 

It was delicious!  She did a great job!