New School and Fall 2019

We flew into San Diego on August 12th and arrived to nothing and nobody. We rented a car and drove to the navy base on Coronado to spend a few nights. If you recall, the Navy lodge on Coronado was the place we stayed at prior to departing for Japan back in 2014. The place is right on the beach and has a sweet pool.  We moved into our room and got somewhat settled. We would stay there for a week or so as we finalized our rental house plans. The place we arranged was getting painted and some last minute updates prior to us moving in. So we stayed at the hotel while all that stuff was finishing up. We were able to go to the beach every day and spent hours at their pool. We even saw some friends from Italy who had also recently moved to San Diego. It was nice to get reacquainted with the USA too. The conveniences were welcoming and it was not as chaotic as Italy.

Every night we would let the hounds loose and they would run up and down the beach collecting sand dollars and scaring away birds. Oh by the way, the temperatures were fantastic. When we left Italy is was in the mid-90s, so the 60-70 degree weather felt so refreshing. 

Lovely Coronado beach. We've had a few photos taken here in the past.

One of the first stops we made were to LC and E's new elementary school; Silver Strand. We had to get the school schedule and get some information on what supplies they needed.... as well as register them for the year. It was a different-looking school, with breeze ways and everything outsides (besides the classrooms), even the place where they eat lunch. They were both excited to get to school but a little nervous because of the newness of everything. 

We also had to decide on a car so that we wouldn't be driving around the rental. We did the research prior to arriving and decided to we were going to bite the bullet and get a mini van.... yawwwwn.. I know, boring and a knife to the ego, but they just make sense with the space, comfortability, gas milage, etc..... I just had to find one that would suit us. Shannon pretty much let me make all the decisions (for once) and told me to get whatever. Which also meant that relieved her of all the car dealership hassles. I wanted to make it as painless as possible. I found the one I wanted and the rest is history.

We got all the girls schools supplies and dates for when they were to start school. We also were able to move into the house after 8 days or so at the Navy lodge. Our house hold goods also arrived that same week so we scheduled to have them delivered the same day. Thankfully, everything made it in one piece with no issues. We saw the house for the first time and started the unpacking process.

We had to ship our wine out in early May in attempt to beat the heat as it traveled across the lands.  Our final tally of wine was just over 400 bottles. Since it left us so early, a buddy of mine here in SD took possession of it for us until we arrive. Once we got semi-unpacked, I drove up and picked it all up. Thankfully it made it in one trip. This should last us a few months!

We also found out that the neighborhood has a pool, tennis courts and a community center about 300 meters from our house! Needless to say, we spent many hours at the pool burring off energy and staying cool during the heat of the day.

 They both received their birthday presents early - mermaid tails that actually work in the pool. With all the pool time, they both have evolved into excellent swimmers. They love doing flips and splashing around.

Here are the bathing beauties, modeling their mermaid tails. 

The pool has been so nice. It is heated so it isn't too cold and its so close. The girls also met some neighborhood friends that are starting to become friends with. 

Summer was officially over once the first day of school rolled around. No more staying up late(r) and back into a routine of some sorts. The girls enjoyed picking out their school supplies and getting ready for the big first day. 

 As you can see, it was a quick turnaround. Arrived in SD on the 12th, and back to school on the 22nd. LC was a little sad to leave us but they both we eager to get the school year started. 

Here is E getting acquainted in her class and sitting next to her new classmates. 

 And here are the other kids in her class. She was excited to learn that there were to "Ryan's" in her class... and one was even "Ryan C."

E had her 7th birthday on the second week of school. She even got her name up on the school's marquee board. Unfortunetly the school doesn't allow parents to bring in cupcakes or snacks or anything. 

We were also really lucky because they have a bus that takes them to school. A little silly since the school is only 4 minutes away, but the kids like the independence. Also, no more luxury touring coach buses for LC and E. They have a real school bus... the yellow ones with holes in the seats, busted out windows and squeaky shocks. Im kidding about the run-down bus, but up until now, they thought the buses that they had in Italy (w/ coffee makers, wifi, and reclining seats) were school normal buses. We live about a 4 minute drive to the bus stop and then they get bussed to school. These are all the kids at the bus stop. Once a month, the parents bring breakfast (i.e. junk food) to the bus stop to have a little fun. The girls that LC and E met at the pool also ride the bus so they have kids they know. 

We also made it to Sea World, which was a first for the kids. 

Our thrill seekers went on a few rides.... 

Checked out some of the exhibits... 

.. and we caught all three shows (Orcas, dolphins and the seal lion/otter show).

It was a little different then the Sea World Shannon and I remember, where the trainers enter the water and were part of the show. Now, the trainers stay out of the water and just walk around.... thanks a lot Black Fish. 

Here are the girls getting in some rides before we leave. 

Fun!

The girls also got signed up for Girl Scouts. E's troop went to Coronado City hall for a tour with the Mayor. 

Here is E sitting in the Mayor's chair in the chamber, discussing some of her demands as a new Coronado resident. 

The girls decided that instead of a party, they would have their good neighborhood friends over for a sleep over. We let them pick where we ate and they decided on Red Robin. It brought back a lot of memories for me because that was also a popular choice for Sonya and I for birthdays. Here is LC and her friend Annelise. 

Red Robin was at the mall, and before the girls wanted to go to Claires to shop. We gave them each some money and they took what seemed like hours to decide on what they bought. We finished off our Red Robin burgers with ice cream sundaes and milk shakes! Happy 9th and 7th Birthday! This is E with her friend, Emma. 

LC also got her name on the School's marquee on her birthday! Happy 9th Birthday -- man, where has the time gone? 

So far the kids have liked their classes and teachers and are starting to make new friends. I have been jumping around from school to school awaiting to hear if I'm going to meet the ship while out on deployment or just wait till it arrives here in San Diego. We have been liking the neighborhood -- it is nice to live on a slow and quiet street where the kids and ride up and down the streets w/out getting hit. And the clubhouse with its swimming pool is paying off big time.