Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle was built in the 1920s-1930s by a man who sought to create Europe in rural California. This "house" was actually lived in and used. The amount and type of antiquities Hearst used to furnish his house is baffling.

Original Baroque ceiling panels

Authentic Roman mosaic floor.

the swimming pool, modeled after Greek bath houses

Hope instead of Fear

As most of you probably know by now, Dave and i are expecting a little baby in November.

We were a) surprised at the speed we conceived, since Dave had only been home from deployment for nine days, b) really really excited and c) really really scared. Some of the fear is normal - waiting to get to 12 weeks before telling people - but for us that was compounded by our fear of losing another baby. But after a few days of this in between emotion we realized that it's all in God's hands. God has a plan for us, and we don't know what it is, but we have to trust in him.

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

 We just had to let go and let God.

After that mini revelation we are feeling better. Additionally, we were seeing a really awesome doctor at the Navy Hospital, who has obviously left.... whomp whomp. Dr. Poole gave us an extra ultrasound, and recommended us for a 12-week nuchal translucency ultrasound in Fresno. The NT tests for Trisomies by measuring the width or length of the neck. Plus, it was an extra ultrasound, which is always nice. The ultrasound techs said that everything looked good, but they have to send the images out to be officially tested. They could also tell that the neural tube in the spine had closed, so we are not anticipating any neural tube defects. God is good!

Knowing that God has placed us with good doctors, great, supportive friends and family, and a wonderful church support, we are feeling hopeful instead of fearful.

We choose hope instead of fear. 



Some FAQs:

1. We are due November 24th, or 28th. Thanksgiving!
2. We will find out if it is a boy or a girl ASAP.
3. Thank you for your prayers! 

Getting Gussied Up

Dave's new squadron had a dining-out this past weekend. Since both of our cameras are broken, this is the only photo of the night. But we look nice I think. Unlike dining-outs with the Golden Dragons where we knew everyone there, this time both Dave and I only knew a few people (me less than Dave). But we enjoyed the evening with our table-mates who were mutual friends with the Conklins. 

Busting out the Nerdiness

Dave and I decided to be social and throw a party. Not just any party: A STAR WARS party. We had it on May the 4th, because it is Star Wars day since it sounds like "May the force.." With Star Wars costumes, themed food, and a trivia contest, i think we out-nerded some of our friends, and came out as nerds to others. 

I'd like to say this was all Dave's idea... but really, I was the driving force. Dave asked me, "If you were to go back to 20-year-old Annie and tell her about this party, what would she say?" I probably would have just looked confused. I definitely didn't think this is what I'd be doing...hah!

Here are some photos of our nerd-fest.