14 Months?!?!

14 months ago today, Jacob was born! 14 months! 14 months was how old Samantha was at the time when he was born! I look at him today and just can't believe how much she was still a baby when he was born! I still look at both of them today and say they are both still my babies! Of course they probably always will be my babies, but at some point even if I think they are still my babies, they really won't technically be babies. If I call them my babies, there will be a day when they will say "MOM you are embarrassing me!" I am not sure why Jake turning 14 months feels so monumental to me, but for the past several weeks I have been lamenting how he is almost the age that Samantha was when he was born and now here he is; 14 months!

At 14 months Jake has got this walking thing down! However, there are time when he is so excited to get somewhere fast that he just falls down a lot because his balance just doesn't keep up with how fast he wants to go! He is a climber...always on the stairs, trying to climb up on everything. Jake wants to get into doors, drawers, and anyplace else that he can get his little hands. There is a formal living room here at the in-laws that is barricaded off by potted plants and a table of sorts. For the past year Samantha has pretty much stayed out of that room and not been curious to go in except when she is permitted to play the piano in that room. Jake on the other hand runs over to that side of the house, drops down to his knees and crawls right between the big potted plants, right into the living room.

The other day I was stuck with my head over the toilet bowl (a completely different story) and couldn't even think about what my kids were doing when I couldn't be watching them, when all of a sudden I heard the pounding of little hands on the piano. I had been detained in the bathroom for no more than 5 minutes (which seemed like an eternity) and they managed to get themselves into that room!

In a nutshell, you must have your eyes on Jake at all times. He is very active. And just the cutest little boy! He is all about giving open mouth kisses these days. He is also on the verge of saying so many words! Jake knows that a duck says "cack cack" and a sheep says "AAAHHH". When we tickle Jake we say "tickle, tickle, tickle" so he also is saying "ticka ticka ticka" all of the time. It's like his mantra! Jake will eat anything you put in front of him (except for eggs, which aren't a favorite). His eating style is to chew, chew, chew, and then push it all back out of his mouth. This makes for quite a messy child at the end of eating time. We still haven't quite found a bib that can stand the test of Jake at meal time!

Cousins!

Kara and Avery came into town last weekend and we had a blast with all 3 kids. Somehow all three are quite laid back and very sweet until someone tries to take something they want and then LOOK OUT! While they may look cute and innocent, these three have LUNGS! (especially Avery, but my 2 aren't totally out of the woods on this one!) There were a few time outs because sharing proved to be a little difficult. Samantha and Avery are now at the point where they were able to play together and they had conversations that we had no idea what they were talking about, but apparently they knew exactly what was going on. For those who are curious, Avery is 6 months younger than Samantha and 8 months older than Jake! Here's a recap of the visit with a few photos!

Samantha and Avery had fun bouncing on this inner tube.

Jake kept getting bounced right off and had to keep climbing back on:

Spending some quality time with Uncle Johnny at MaryEllen's lake:

Hammock swinging with Daddy/Uncle Chris:

A rare family photo:

Sammy and Avery swimming at the Vickerelli's:

Emily, Sarah, Heather and Moriah +9

It has been 11 years since I graduated from Wheelock College! Yesterday I was able to reunite with 3 friends from the field hockey team. After all those years that have passed things really have changed. Between the four of us we have 9 kids!

(top row l-r: me, Jake, Sarah, Heather, Piper, Moriah, Lucy; bottom l-r: Ryleigh, Caroline, Eva, Sammy, Elsa; William was taking the photo - and did a great job!)

Sarah came back to the East Coast for a visit, prompting a little reunion. Unfortunately not everyone that we would have liked to reunite with were able to make it, but it was a blast catching up with Sarah, Heather, and Moriah. Moriah was a very gracious host, not minding one bit that 9 kids were making a mess of her house, and providing lunch for all! We walked down the street to the local elementary school to the sprinkler park and playground. The kids were very excited to get slushy pops from the ice cream truck!

9 kids leaves a lot of room for craziness, but it was such a chill morning, and everyone played so well together, allowing us moms to catch up on all that has been going on since graduating college. Sarah commented that it must be a reflection of our parenting skills on just how well behaved all the kids were! Could it really be any other reason? Samantha enjoyed playing with the older kids, and Jake as always had no fear, toddling straight for the water sprayers, and loving every minute!

We had a very long day, driving up to Boston in the morning, and turning around to drive home again in the afternoon at nap time. Unfortunately the kids actually only slept for a half hour in the car. On the way to Boston Samantha declared that she was having fun in the car. This was not the case on the way home! It was a long day, but it was well worth the travel to catch up with old and forever friends!

We've got a first Thursday spectacular happening this coming week. The Juice Team, DJ E*Rock and Steve Schroeder from States Rights Records, will be coming by to pump up the jams from 9pm on into the night. What's more? Sgt. Forkner and special guest, Jessica from Paper Rad will be on hand to give an extra dose of the digital DJ drugss. Should be a real nice time. Stop on by!

Wednesday!

Niko and Colin have the soulful, funky touch that we sure do love. Super-cuties. Happy Hour all night long, too. Woohoo! Come and enjoy!

F-22 Raptor to Join Naval Drill in Korean Seas

Four state-of-the-art U.S. stealth fighters will join a massive combined air and naval exercise to be held by South Korea and the United States in the East Sea later this month in a show of the allies’ strong deterrence plans against North Korean provocations, South Korean and U.S. defense officials announced Tuesday.

The plan was made public after consultations between Defense Minister Kim Tae-young and his U.S. counterpart Robert Gates in Seoul. The two defense chiefs discussed a series of combined maritime and air readiness drills in waters around the peninsula in the coming months.

Gates arrived in Seoul late Monday to attend the “2 + 2” meeting that will include Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, South Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan and Defense Minister Kim Tae-young.

The exercise, “Invincible Spirit,” will be the largest in scale with the participation of 8,000 Army, Air, Navy and Marine forces from the South Korean and U.S. militaries. The drill will be held from July 25 to 28.

About 200 fighter jets, and naval aircraft and helicopters will fly training missions in and around Korea. In addition, approximately 20 warships, including the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington, the South Korean Navy’s 14,000-ton Dokdo large-deck landing ship, and attack submarines will participate in the exercise.

The deployment of the F-22 Raptor, the world’s most advanced aircraft, will be symbolic in heralding the solid and broader alliance of the two governments against emerging regional threats, including a North Korean provocation, said Maj. Gen. John A. Macdonald, director of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command’s operations bureau.

“The Raptor is the capability that we brought here to help in the defense of the Republic of Korea. It is part of the ROK-U.S. alliance,” Macdonald said.

“We will have four Raptors to participate in the exercise, and they will be involved in strike operations that will take place on ranges.”

This will be the first time that the “fifth-generation” radar-evading aircraft will participate in exercises with South Korea. The F-22, built by Lockheed Martin, is equipped with an active electronically scanned radar for cruise missile detection and is capable of evading advanced air defenses to bomb ballistic missile launch sites.

The single-seat fighter can fly at a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 and has an operational radius of 2,000 kilometers. Its weapons systems include AIM-9 Sidewinders and Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM).

Macdonald added allied troops will be engaged in “network defense” to ensure they are secure in adverse conditions.

“The exercise will sharpen our military readiness by improving interoperability and the combined operational capability of the ROK-U.S. combined forces, while demonstrating the resolve and strength of the alliance,” Gen. Han Min-koo, chairman of the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a statement. “We stand fully prepared to respond militarily to any further North Korean provocation.”

The exercise was originally scheduled to be held in the West Sea, but defense authorities in Seoul and Washington changed the venue apparently after strong protests from China.

The USS George Washington carries nearly 5,000 crew and flight staff, including 400-plus officers and more than 4,000 enlisted sailors.

The 97,000-ton vessel carries more than 65 aircraft, including F/A 18 Hornets, F/A 18 E/F Super Hornets, EA6B Prowlers, E2C Hawkeyes, C-2 Greyhounds and SH-60 Seahawk helicopters.

Joining the East Sea exercise will be the USS McCampbell, USS John S. McCain and USS Lassen.

Earlier this month, the U.N. Security Council issued a statement that expressed “deep concern” over the sinking of the frigate Cheonan in the West Sea in March, but did not identify who was responsible for sinking the ship.

China, North Korea’s most important ally, was reportedly the main force behind the watering down of the Security Council resolution. It is also very uneasy about the ROK-U.S. joint exercise involving a U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

Catching Up

Some time ago I was tagged on the McCashew blog. It was so long ago that I couldn't even find the original post on the McCashew blog to reference. The deal was that you had to look in your pictures folder, find the 8th folder, and then the 8th photo in that folder. After featuring that photo on your blog and telling the story behind it, you then tag 8 other blogging friends to do the same. I think that by now my blogging friends have all been tagged, so I am just going to share the 8th of the 8th with you here.

This is a picture if Jake glowing in the light of the bowling alley when we took Samantha for her first candle pin bowling. He would have been about 8.5 months old.

Blogging Royalty!

Today two of my blogging friends (Aimee and Ann - both of whom I am rooming with at Blogher '10 in 2 weeks) were featured in a newspaper article about Mommy Bloggers in CT! Congrats ladies!

When Aimee first asked me if I wanted to go to Blogher I said yes immediately and didn't even talk to Chris about it before I booked my ticket. I just assumed that he would be totally fine with keeping the kids by himself for a few nights! (Boy, do I sound like a need a vacation or what?) Blogging has been such a large part of my life over the past few years, connecting me with other moms and bloggers in a way I didn't imagine possible when we started our little blog to keep friends and family updated with the happenings of our growing family. I am really looking forward to this conference to meet some other bloggers in person and to hopefully take a few things away from the sessions and discussions. Aimee, Ann and I met up last week for a play date with our kids and to pow-wow about everything Blogher! We have hashed out a few important details like what we are going to wear and if we are going to bring business cards. Aimee and Ann now both have beautifully designed cards, and I hope to have a forthcoming post after my cards are designed!

Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle Fires AMRAAM Missile

The Boeing Company successfully launched a missile from the F-15 Silent Eagle's newly designed Conformal Weapons Bay (CWB) on July 14. Demonstration aircraft F-15E1 departed from Point Mugu Naval Air Weapon Station, Calif., at 5:59 p.m Pacific time, launched an inert AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile (AMRAAM) from its left-side CWB, and returned to base at 6:52 p.m.

The test demonstrated the CWB's flightworthiness and ability to deploy an AMRAAM in flight with no adverse effect on the performance of the aircraft or the CWB itself.

"I've been flying F-15s for more than 20 years, but this flight was different from all others," said Boeing F-15 Chief Test Pilot Dan Draeger. "This first launch of an AMRAAM from the F-15's internal weapons bay opens a new era for the F-15 and for strike fighter capability in the dominance of the F-15 Eagle.

"The F-15, CWB and missile performed exactly as we predicted," Draeger continued. "The Silent Eagle continues the F-15's role as the most versatile strike fighter aircraft ever built."

F-15E1 made its first flight with a CWB from Lambert St. Louis International Airport on July 8. The CWB, which carried an AIM-120 Instrumented Test Vehicle (ITV), was successfully opened and closed during that 80-minute flight, validating Boeing's design approach.

"The F-15SE's internal carriage CWBs will significantly increase tactical options for international customers while retaining all the cost-certain, battle-proven capability of the Strike Eagle," said Roger Besancenez, F-15 Program vice president for Boeing.

The Silent Eagle is an innovative design solution developed in response to international customer requirements for a cost-effective, high-performance fighter aircraft to defend against future threats. Using a modular design approach, the F-15SE offers unique aerodynamic, avionic and Radar Cross Section (RCS)-reduction features that provide the user with maximum flexibility to dominate the ever-changing advanced threat environment. RCS reductions include treatments to the aircraft (based on U.S. government policy).

The F-15SE CWBs can carry a variety of air-to-air missiles, such as the AIM-9 and AIM-120, and air-to-ground weapons such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition and Small Diameter Bomb. The Silent Eagle's CWBs can be easily removed, and the aircraft can be rapidly reconfigured into the combat-proven external carriage/conformal fuel tank load-out based on mission requirements.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

Zoku Pops!

First run came out great!

D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R (averted)

My daily plans often have the potential to spell disaster. I think most moms go about their days ready to abort their plans at any moment due to the moods of their children. Tuesday was one of those days where the potential for disaster was at an all time high. You can get another really good recap on the Littlest Loban. It all started when Amanda and I decided, thanks to Kerri over at McCashew, that we had to have the Zoku instant pop maker. We packed the kids in the cars and announced a road trip to the nearest Williams and Sonoma. Now just imagine us taking 4 children into Williams and Sonoma. Samantha and Ethan were causing such a commotion with their back and forth screaming that an extra sales clerk came to the checkout to do what we can only assume was "getting us out of there...fast!" Luckily we all made it out of there with 2 Zoku pop makers in hand and no other extra unintended purchases.

Our shopping excursion proved so successful that we decided to brave the waters of eating out at a restaurant that certainly does not have happy meals. I managed to get a photo of the group and Chris pointed out that it appears the waitress was trying to get as far away from us as quickly as possible.

All went far better than expected, and luckily the place was empty, so it really did not matter that Samantha, Ethan, and Jake were screaming back and forth at each other. Amanda and I each did our obligatory "use your indoor voices please". Near the end of our meal a few business men came in and sat in the booth across from our table. Amanda quickly assured them that we were leaving very shortly! The potential for disaster was there, but disaster was avoided. All 4 kids were very well behaved; so much so that we would even do it all again! Here is Jake enjoying drinking his milk from a straw!

How could you not love these knuckleheads?

TLC is tonight! Always so fun. Come on down!

Malaysian Defence Ministry Confirms Purchase Of Two Vera-E Radars

The Defence Ministry today confirmed the purchase of two Czech-made Vera-E passive surveillance radars for RM7.2 million.

Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said the purchase of the Vera-E, a highly advanced sensor that can detect aircraft, ships and ground vehicles from signals emitted by their radar, communications and other onboard electronic systems, was to protect the country's air space.

"Through the purchase we will also benefit from a transfer of technology in the electronic warfare system," he said when debating the 10th Malaysia Plan for the Defence Ministry in Dewan Negara here Thursday.

Dr Abdul Latiff also said the development of Malaysia's first missile, Taming Sari, has been classified under the official secrets act (OSA) 1972 and cannot be revealed but the Taming Sari was displayed during a Independence Day (Merdeka Day) parade a few years ago.

He added that direct negotiations were also held with Deftech Sdn Bhd, for the purchase of 257 8X8 armoured personnel carriers (APCs), that would be developed and built locally by DRB-Hicom Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (Deftech) because the company has a proven track record.

Thai Gripens To Be Operational In 2011

The first of four Royal Thai Air Force Gripen pilots and technicians are undergoing training in Sweden to allow Squadron 701 of the 7th Wing to go operational next year.

Thailand is initially buying six Gripens, with a plan to grow that to 12 aircraft. Further purchases are possible, but will have to await the first operational experiences with the fighter in Thailand, says Wing Cdr. Jackkrit Thammavichai, who will be the first squadron commander. However, he says, “I foresee no problem” in making the case for more aircraft.

Four pilots are now in Sweden to undergo training as instructor pilots, with another six to come to Sweden in January for training as quick reaction alert pilots. The current batch so far has flown the A/B Gripens and will begin work with the C/Ds soon, with their training to end in December.

Thammavichai says the experience to transition former F-5 and F-16 pilots has been good, with the aircraft “easy to fly.” The flight control system is “very smooth,” and the human-machine interface “well designed.”

All six Gripens should be delivered to Thailand by March. The aircraft will initially be armed by AIM-9M Sidewinders and AIM-120 Amraams, although Thailand also is buying the IRIS-T dogfight missile for Gripen use.

As part of the so called Gripen Integrated Air Defense System, the RTAF also will field Erieye early warning aircaft. The entire network is to go operational next year, too, Thammavichai says.

Tuesday, July 27th

Woah, dudes. First Sad Horse show in so long. A very cool, new band from Brian Mumford, Ron Burns, and Chris Johanson will make their Valentine's debut. A special guest DJ is in the mix to amp the party. It's gonna be good times. Weird on, Weirdos!

Sunday, July 25th

We think the flyer says it all. You gotta be here. David Rafn's tribe brings the fun! This will be Brainstorm's first show in some months. Come 'n get it!

YAY! Audrey Horne and Catherine Beefheart (Aubrey from the band, Karen and Eddie from Total Noise) are coming by to DJ their wild, summer songs all night long this Wednesday. These guys are awesome. Expect a nice time.

Israel to Deploy New Anti-missile System in November

Israel will deploy in November its anti-missile system designed to combat threats from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, the defence ministry said on Monday.

"The Iron Dome interceptor, in conjunction with air force and anti-aircraft systems, successfully downed a large number of threats in fully operational mode," the ministry said in statement.

"The first two batteries will become operational in November 2010," it said adding that "the defence ministry will soon place orders for additional batteries."

The system is designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells, of which Hamas and the Hezbollah have fired thousands at Israel in the past.

The system is expected to be first deployed along the border of Hamas-run Gaza from where a daily barrage of home-made rockets fired at the Jewish state prompted Israel to launch a devastating 22-day offensive on December 27, 2008.

It will then be deployed on Israel's border with Lebanon, where the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah fired some 4,000 rockets into northern Israel during a 2006 war. Israel believes Hezbollah now has an arsenal of some 40,000 rockets.

Defence Minister Ehud Barak praised the developers for the short timeframe in which they had managed to make the system operational.

"We will act to actively deploy the batteries in the field as soon as possible," he said in the statement.
In May, US President Barack Obama asked Congress to approve giving Israel 205 million dollars to develop the system, on top of the billions of dollars in aid it gives Israel each year.

The Iron Dome will join the Arrow long-range ballistic missile defence system in an ambitious multi-layered programme to protect Israeli cities from rockets and missiles fired from Lebanon, the Gaza Strip, Syria and Iran.

A third system specifically aimed at countering medium-range missiles is still in development.

My First Haircut!

On Friday I took the kids to SnipIts for Jake's first haircut. Samantha also got a haircut, but she's had hers cut before. I was a little scared to get Jake's haircut because I didn't want his curls to go away, but he got about a 1/2 inch taken off and his hair is still curly, so I am happy. Samantha absolutely hates having her hair brushed or put back in a barrette or pony tail. I really want her hair to be long, but for now I had her hair cut into a bob so that it's easier to manage. This way all of her hair is now one length instead of all the various lengths from all the hair that has grown in over the last 2 years.

Here is Jake getting his first haircut!

He surprised me by sitting still!

Samantha with her long hair before her cut:

After with her bob:

IAF Begins Apache Trials

The Indian Air Force (IAF) began trials for the AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter last week. IAF sources confirmed that the aircraft, which is competing with the Russian Mi-28 for the IAF’s tender for 22 attack helicopters, has already completed trials in Jaisalmer and is currently undergoing high altitude, flight and maneuverability demonstrations at Leh.

The trials are expected to continue till the end of next week, after which the Mi-28 is expected to be given a similar once-over. The maintenance and weapons trials of the former will be conducted in the United States in the coming weeks.


Dean Millsap of Boeing Rotorcraft Systems, told visiting Indian media in Philadelphia in May that the company had crash-tested the aircraft to a drop-speed of 40 feet per second. The company is pitching its ballistically-tolerant structure, which can withstand an impact up to 23 millimeters, to emphasize the survivablility of the aircraft.

The aircraft also has self sealing, Kevlar armor-protected fuel cells under the pilot’s seat, as well as a system to deploy nitrogen gas to starve any outbreak of fire of oxygen, called nitrogen-inerting crash resistant fuel cells. Both, pilot as well as gunner, have the benefit of the night vision generated by FLIR (Forward Looking Infra Red) sensor. But Boeing expects the Longbow radar on the Apache to end the argument. The radar dome, which has a millimeter wave radar, is located on top of the main rotor allowing optimum detection capability.

The aircraft can also digitally share information on targets with other aircraft and systems.
Interestingly, Boeing has developed a capability in the Apache to control Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). While so far this ability is restricted to control over a single UAV, the company is building systems to allow airborne control over multiple UAVs. So far this is not a capability that has been offered to or requested by the IAF.

The first of the Apache Block III are expected to be delivered in October next year and deployed with the first US Army units by June 2012.

The trials for the IAF’s requirement for 15 heavy lift helicopters are also expected to begin after the Apache, on July 27, with the Chinook being put through its paces at Chandigarh, where it has already arrived, and Leh. Both the Apache and the Chinook were brought to India by C-17 aircraft, possibly to quietly underline the capabilities of the strategic lifter, ten of which are also being considered for purchase by the IAF, after it underwent trials last month.

Russian State Arms Exporter Sees Contracts Worth $38 billion in 2010

Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said on Friday its orders so far this year had exceeded $38 billion.

It said aircraft and airborne weapon systems accounted for over 50% of all export orders." Despite serious competition, demand grows from year to year," the company said in a press release.

"Our cooperation is expanding with leading foreign manufacturers, especially on new joint projects and R&D programs." Rosoboronexport handles over 80% of Russian arms exports.

Russia will showcase an array of warplanes at the Farnborough Air Show (FIA), one of the most preeminent global aviation events, to be held on July 19-25 near London.

Russian products will include Su-35 Flanker and MiG-35 Fulcrum-F multirole fighters, the Su-32 fighter-bomber (an export version of the Su-34 Fullback aircraft) and MiG-29 Fulcrum combat aircraft.

PRC's Preparations to Attack Taiwan Accelerate

Despite repeated displays of goodwill by the government of President Ma Ying-Jeou since it came to power in 2008, China’s military preparations for an attack on Taiwan continue to accelerate, a report by the Ministry of National Defense’s intelligence research branch says.

The report says China’s military preparedness for an attack on Taiwan has never been relaxed and that if the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) launched a missile attack on Taiwan, it would destroy more than 90 percent of the nation’s political, economic, military and civil infrastructure. It also predicts the number of Chinese missiles aimed at Taiwan could reach 2,000 by the end of the year.

Although the government’s pro-Beijing policies have been strongly criticized domestically, the ministry’s decision to post the internal research report on its official Web site has raised eyebrows.

Lin Cheng-Yi, a researcher at the Institute of European and American Studies at Academia Sinica, said following Ma’s accession to power, China has moved its military exercises from the coastal areas of Fujian Province to other parts of the country and that it no longer uses Hong Kong media to attack Taiwan.

Lin said that while this was intended to create a more relaxed atmosphere, in reality China’s military threat is constantly growing. The ministry sees through the smokescreen, continues to keep track of China’s military posture and therefore is remaining true to its responsibilities, Lin said.

Although China has reduced the number of military exercises simulating an attack on Taiwan, its activities in the South China Sea and in the waters north and east of Taiwan have been increasing, Lin said.

The report said that a June 1993 meeting of China’s Central Military Commission readjusted its strategic goals, unambiguously making Taiwan its main potential adversary.

Despite Ma’s rapprochement policies, top PLA leaders continue to emphasize in internal meetings that the use of military force must remain an option, the report says.

The PLA’s short and mid-term missile production plans have not been affected by detente in the Taiwan Strait, the report says, adding that the PLA’s missile arsenal targeting Taiwan could reach 1,960 before the end of the year.

A large number of recently decommissioned fighter aircraft have been turned into pilotless drone planes to be used together with Harpy anti-radar unmanned aerial vehicles purchased from Israel. These could help China punch holes in Taiwan’s air defense systems and destroy key targets.

China is focusing resources on developing satellite technology, the report says, adding that the number of Chinese satellites would surpass 60 before the end of this year. Of these, 14 would be Jianbing and Leidian  military surveillance satellites. The total would also include 15 Shentong and Fenghuo military communication satellites, Xinnuo broadcasting satellites and 16 Beidou navigation satellites. These satellites will help the PLA wage integrated warfare and improve weapon accuracy.

The strength of the PLA Navy is also increasing. Its regular amphibious abilities have also increased, with transport capa city reaching a full division.

Oh, and hey! How 'bout this!

Sunday = AWESOME!

That's right, y'all. Kathy Foster from beloved band, The Thermals is branching out and playing solo! This will be her 2nd show playing these new songs and we can't tell you how good they sound. Super excited to have the very talented Jessi Slavich (Ersatz, formerly Glacier Park) and Alina Hardin on the bill.

This is going to be a special one. Plan on it!

Saturday, July 17th!

Pat-A-Cake

We've Come A Long Way!

Today we packed up the car and headed out to complete my long to do list. I had to do several returns and mail a package at the post office. This is the type of running around that can turn south really quickly. It means getting to one place, taking the kids out of the car, running in quickly to mail a package or return something and then coming right back out to get in the car and head on to the next stop. The kids get upset because they are in and out of their car seats and I get tired of getting them in and out of their seats! Today I broke up the errands with a trip to the gym sandwiched in the middle, which gave Samantha and Jake the opportunity to play. So, we tackled 2 errands, went to the gym, and then tackled another errand on the way home. It was a little touch and go at certain points, but we've come a long way in just 2 and a half months when I had posted this about not even wanting to think about making solo shopping trips!

New Taranis Combat Aircraft Thunders into View

A prototype unmanned combat aircraft of the future, Taranis, has been unveiled by the MOD for the first time today.

Named after the Celtic god of thunder, the concept demonstrator will test the possibility of developing the first ever autonomous, stealth Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) that would ultimately be capable of precisely striking targets at long range, even in another continent.

Should such systems enter into service, they will at all times be under the control of highly trained military crews on the ground.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at BAE Systems in Warton, Lancashire, Minister for International Security Strategy Gerald Howarth said : "Taranis is a truly trailblazing project. The first of its kind in the UK, it reflects the best of our nation's advanced design and technology skills and is a leading programme on the global stage."

Representing the pinnacle of UK engineering and aeronautical design, Taranis is an informal partnership of the MOD and industry talents including BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, QinetiQ and GE Aviation.

Speaking on behalf of the industry team, Nigel Whitehead, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems' Programmes and Support business, said : "Taranis has been three-and-a-half years in the making and is the product of more than a million man-hours.

"It represents a significant step forward in this country's fast-jet capability. This technology is key to sustaining a strong industrial base and to maintain the UK's leading position as a centre for engineering excellence and innovation."

The Taranis prototype will provide the MOD with critical knowledge on the technical and manufacturing challenges and the potential capabilities of Unmanned Combat Air Systems. Flight trials are due in 2011.

F-22 Raptor Rolls Out in Hawaii

Top military and local community leaders gathered here July 9 for a dedication service for the F-22 Raptor.

Hundreds of onlookers gathered with members of the 199th Fighter Squadron, 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard and people from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to welcome the F-22, a fifth generation fighter, which replaces the F-15 Eagle that the squadron has flown since 1987. The 199th FS is the first guard unit to receive the F-22.

"The 199th (FS members prove) that National Guard forces are capable of maintaining a strategic presence with its active duty association and providing a great value to our nation and the state of Hawaii," said Gen. Craig R. McKinley, the chief of the National Guard Bureau.

The F-22, a single-seat, twin engine aircraft that utilizes stealth technology, was originally designed primarily as an air superiority fighter.

"These F-22 Raptors are the state of the art air superiority fighter and couldn't be located at a better place," General McKinley said.

Many of the guard members will serve as the lead in a "total force" concept that is already in use at JB Hickam. The 199th FS, 15th Air Wing will fly and help maintain the F-22s that bring a new capability to the HIANG, as well as the Air Force.

"The Air Force is a seamless total force. Along with our Air Force Reserve and civilians, the National Guard and our active duty component form a very severe fighting force that can get the job done," General McKinley said.

B I L L Y G O A T

D A S H !

B E N O Î T P I O U L A R D

M O N D A Y, J U L Y 1 1 TH

9 P M . F R E E .

Rising to the Occasion!

She might not blog often, but when she does, look out! Check out Kara's congrats to Melissa and Andrew here.

Congrats Sessa and Andrew!

We could not be more thrilled to make the first official blog announcement (I haven't checked Kara's blog, but I am pretty sure we are the first to blog) that Melissa and Andrew are getting married!! Samantha sure is looking forward to a lifetime of making Melissa and Andrew wonder which of them she likes the best! Now that Andrew will officially be a part of the family, we better get to work on getting a few more photos of him because this one is from February! Congrats Sessa and Andrew! We couldn't be more excited for you both!

Baby Talk!

No, we are not talking about having another baby. Baby dolls are the #1 play item in our house these days. Both Samantha and Jake love to take care of their baby dolls. Samantha loves to feed, change and put the babies to nap. Jake likes to stroll them around in the carriage and give them hugs. Jake is often carrying a baby around and will bring a baby to you, but then want it back immediately so that he can give it a hug. He is just the cutest!

Here is Jake giving his baby a hug:

And bringing a baby for me to hug:

Earlier this week all of the babies needed a good washing and were hanging on the line to dry:

Sunday, July 11th

OLD SCHOOL PARTY TIME. Prepare to rock!...lightly!

Saturday, July 10th

Playground Etiquette

Today I took the kids to a local park; the kind that looks like a wooden castle with all sorts of stairs, and nooks and crannies to climb through. This particular park has 3 slides, one of which is a wide, medium height, metal slide. On a previous trip to this park, I wasn't expecting the speed of this slide and Samantha came whizzing down only to fly right off the slide onto her rear. Now that we know this, she tends to turn around at the top of the slide and come down feet first on her belly. This tends to slow her down quite a bit so that she can easily climb down from the end of the slide instead of going shooting off.

Today at this playground, Samantha and another girl who I would estimate to be around the same age, maybe a little bit older, were climbing on the castle and got to the slide. The other child's mother and I were standing at the bottom of the slide as Samantha turned around to go down on her belly. The other mother let out a horrified/shocked gasp of air, and as her child went to do the same thing as Samantha, she quickly said, "sit down so that you can see where you are going". I turned to Samantha and told her what a good job she did on the slide. Both children continued to slide multiple times, each time the other child wanted to go down like Samantha, and her mother gave me a look that shot daggers, always telling her daughter not to go down the slide that way. I continued to praise Samantha for going down the slide safely, and slowly.

This incident had me thinking about playground etiquette. I think that it is pretty well known that there is a universal slide rule about going up the stairs and down the slide, but I will be the first to admit that if there are no other children around and I can be sure that she is doing it safely, I do let Samantha climb up the slides. She is capable of knowing when she can and can not climb the slides because we talk about it. I had my reasons for letting Samantha slide down on her belly, and I am sure the other mother had her reasons for not wanting her daughter to slide that way. Apparently she didn't think that I had too good of reasons, but I refrained myself for giving her an explanation because I didn't think I had to justify our actions.

Meanwhile, Jake was trying to climb over the balance beam logs, and instead of climbing over, he sort of did a flip/roll over that resulted in him being completely covered in wood chips. I am sure at that point this other mother was thinking "what are these people doing??"

Tuesday, July 6th

The Whisperlights are coming all the way from Phoenix and they rule so good. Katy D will have the full Key Losers band in tow. We're talking super-group, you guys. Can't wait for this!

Monday, July 5th!