Memorial Day

Usually the extent to which we celebrate Memorial Day includes a little mention of it in church the day before (ex. honoring veterans, choir singing a patriotic song) and having my kids wear patriotic clothes on the actual holiday. I forgot to have them pack patriotic clothes, but I did ask them to try to wear red, white, and blue yesterday. Nadia wore a white shirt with red and white shorts, and the boys wore Spiderman shirts that had red and blue. Oliver's shorts were actually red, white, and blue. Although we might not have been wearing clothes that sported the American flag, we actually were far more focused on the US military yesterday because we spent our day on Navy pier in San Diego. We could see the Navy base across the bay while we were walking around the USS Midway (aircraft carrier). We spent about four hours on the Midway. We could have spent far longer; Nadia really enjoyed scanning her (free) audio player device at the various stops along the way to hear a narration. They had special activities going on for Memorial Day which included a

Coast Guard band playing patriotic music, many veterans present to answer questions, special activities for kids, etc. We explored all the decks of the ship. There were many jets on the flight deck. We had a guided tour of the highest part of the ship. We saw a 15 minute movie about the battle of Midway (after which the ship was named). The kids (mostly Nadia) worked to find answers to the questions for the Junior pilot program, and they each received their wings at the end since they completed the card correctly. We are very thankful for those who have given their lives for our country!

Next we had a short walk to the Maritime Museum, which is not really a museum but a collection of eleven ships. We were able to tour eight of them which included a Russian submarine, a US submarine used only for research, a Spanish ship from the time of Cabrillo (16th century), a steamship, Star of India, a schooner used during the California Gold Rush, etc. According to Paul's phone we walked 3.6 miles yesterday while we were on the Navy Pier. Paul's parents didn't join us. We picked them up around 5pm and drove to a Denny's that is very close to where we are staying. After dinner we came back to our place. Paul took Nadia and Oliver swimming. Today we are off to Sea World! I was very exhausted after being on my feet for more than 6 hours yesterday. Hoping I have the stamina for Sea World today, San Diego zoo tomorrow, and Disneyland on Thursday!