The Dad Has Left The Island

After eating to our hearts' content on Thanksgiving, we had some serious hiking to do to work off our food.  We hiked to some cool waterfalls, some historic sites and a series of cascading pools.  We also did some more sightseeing, eating and lots of playing games.  I think we must have played at least 20 games of Scrabble!

We went to see the Muppets, too.  And it was really funny!  It was such a nice thing to do on our vacation together.  We all really enjoyed it.  I think that Dad & Fred had a really fun time exploring Guam.  We had such a great time having them in our home & showing them around this tropical island.  As Dad was leaving, he said that he really did think this was paradise.

Setting off on a hike

Waterfall valley

Asan Beach Ridge

Piti Guns

Carabao

Priest's Pools

Two Lover's Point 

Christmas is going to be here soon!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday in Guam with Dad & Fred.  Drew & I are so thankful that they could come all the way out here to be with us.  And we are so thankful for all of you that are far away.  Even though we miss you lots!  We hope that you are having a blessed Thanksgiving with your families & friends.  We all have so much to be thankful for.

Yesterday I spent the majority of the morning cooking the pies, the turkeys and all the side dishes.  I made a Ginger Pumpkin Pie and Bourbon Pecan Pie from Cooking Light magazine.  They turned out okay, but I overdid the crusts a bit.

And while I was busy slaving away in the kitchen, I walked out to find Dad and Fred sleeping on the couch...

I guess they were busy working up an appetite.  :)  Drew made the tasty cranberry sauce and was so helpful getting everything ready, and he was especially helpful with the clean up.  I have such a great husband!  And I am very thankful for him.  

The feast

The Dad Has Landed

As some of you know, my dad made the long trek out to Guam to visit us for Thanksgiving.  He came with his friend, Fred.  They arrived in Guam late last Friday and we have had a great time hanging out so far.  I am planning a big Thanksgiving meal for all of us tomorrow.  It is so nice to have family and friends to spend the holiday with.  They are staying until next Monday, so we will still have lots of time to play games & hike off our turkey even after the big day of thanksgiving!

So far we have toured the Navy base, visited a few historic WWII sites, gone to a few museums and hiked to some beautiful beaches.  It is so fun having them out here & getting to show my dad around the island.  I'm so happy that he was able to make the trip all the way out here to visit us.

Lunch at Clipper Landing on base

Ga'an Point at Agat Beach

Beautiful Ritidian Beach

Dad relaxing in the water at Haputo Beach

 

War in the Pacific Museum

 

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Drew officially has a winning trial record, 1-0!  The Navy jury (also known as the members) returned a verdict of not guilty yesterday in Drew's first court martial case.  He has been working SO hard on this case and all of his hard work really paid off for his client.  Since I have lots of leisure time over here I was able to watch the first full day of trial (where Drew delivered the opening statement) and the closing arguments. There aren't many courts martial on Guam.  In fact, this was the first one in three years so it was a pretty big deal and a lot of people came out to show their support.  I am so proud of my husband!

We went out for a celebratory dinner last night with everyone that worked on the case, even the attorneys from the other side.  The JAG Corps is such a unique group of people and it was really nice to hang out with all of them.  Today we're heading to the beach for a wetting down party for Drew's co-worker, Jen.  She just recently made lieutenant so she's required to throw a party for all of her friends.  It should be a fun afternoon on our tropical island.

By the way, Happy Veterans Day!  Hope you take some time to remember & appreciate all of those who have served our country & all of their families who have worked so hard to support them.  We have so much to be thankful for!!

I'm married to a 30-year-old!

November 2 was Drew's 30th birthday and we celebrated accordingly.  On Tuesday night we had a party at the Tower of London bar with a bunch of our friends.  We chose that locale for their shuffleboard & darts.  It was a great evening of games & fun with friends, but I was a bit of a slacker in the picture-taking department.  On Wednesday, I took Drew out for a birthday lunch and brought Coldstone ice cream cupcakes to the office.  Of course, we had to sing for him again and make him blow out his candles.  We went to Roy's for dinner on Wednesday night and it was delicious!  They made a huge deal about singing for him.  He was a bit embarrassed, but what's a birthday without some embarrassment?  Drew was seriously spoiled with all the wonderful gifts he got.  But his best present, by far, was the lederhosen he got from his family.  He's convinced it won't fit, but I'm still trying to get him to actually try it on.  You never know until you try, right?  

I was so happy that we got to celebrate Drew as much as he deserves.  He's a wonderful husband and I am so lucky!  Happy belated birthday, my love.

Dessert #1: Tropical Carrot Cake

Drew & Jen

Siiri & Drew

Dessert #2:  Pumpkin & Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Ice Cream Cupcakes

Dinner at Roy's

Dessert #3:  Strawberry Cheesecake (complete with singing)