Boys Weekend!

While the girls were at Young Womens camp, Clay out of town, 

I took the boys for 2 days down to San Diego!

We got in late  afternoon and perused through the shops of downtown Carlsbad which I had never done before. We met up with Dad, Ann, Marty and Diane for mexican food later that night. Both boys stayed up til midnight playing games and puzzles with Grandma and Grandpa :)

No photos though. 

Next time!

 My trips to San Diego usually consist of just seeing family but no sights....so this time we got to check off what Chester put on our bucket list....

the USS Midway!

the longest serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century, named after the Battle of Midway in which Admiral Chester Nimitz (connection!) turned the tides of World War II. He spent his last 2 years of life on Yerba Buena Island in the San Francisco Bay where Clay happens to be staying for work. So we were there too! connection connection connection :)

Happy as a clam boarding the ship

fascinated

tying knots...I got some too!

these large links were all hand restored by volunteers...saved from layers of rust

We learned that some sailors became experts at writing backwards on these glass boards that swung open (watch out!). It was fascinating. Honestly, this was my most favorite thing I've done with the boys in a long while :)

He found out he will most likely be too big to fly for the navy...or any branch. He has expressed a desire to serve in the military. I won't be surprised if he does!

I think the Navy is for smaller guys :) 

measuring bunks in the officer's quarters

out on the flight deck

Up where the Captain leads...forgot what it was called:/

They got their wings :)

A big part of the tour was the volunteers who work at the USS Midway!

Most had served on the ship in their naval careers, most are retired, most ... if not all...are smiling and friendly, telling jokes and this guy who gave them their wings, would not let them go without a proper lesson at standing attention. 

High pitched whistle blowing and all :)

maybe I should get one of those whistles for chores

After leaving the ship, I took the boys to the San Diego temple. 

We had a great time together. We picked up lunch at Roberto's, stopped in on Diane, then headed to my Dad's. 

As I was packing our bags to leave that night, I had the thought come to ask him for a father's blessing. I thought to myself...no, he is too tired and I don't want to bother him. The thought came again. So, I asked him as I weeped a little for the blessing. It had been 20 years since he gave me one. With his now older hands placed upon my head, shaking at times, I was humbled to receive a blessing from my father. It solidified my testimony of the power of priesthood blessings. It solidified to always listen to that higher power, the Holy Ghost, and not think we are too busy or tired in this world to stop, pause, and open heaven.

It was a true highlight of our summer. To be with my Dad and Ann, have my boys witness the priesthood being administered to their mother. 

To love one another :)

and to have some fun together