RETRACTION.....

I explained to Matt that anyone that reads this blog knows him well enough to not think badly of him. BUT I told him I would make sure everyone knows that Matt is NOT bribing me with a trip to Australia to lose weight. I asked him if he would take me to Australia if I reached my goal. He wants everyone to know that he would take me regardless of my weight! Gotta love him!!

Okuma

After a few hectic months of traveling and working, the Middleton family needed a break. We headed up to Okuma on Friday and spent the weekend enjoying the beautiful resort. We stayed in a log cabin that just had 3 beds and a small fridge in it. Each cabin had it's own bbq grill, picnic table, and campfire ring. It's a pretty relaxing setup. The kids enjoyed playing their first real game of golf, a little bit of putt putt golf, riding on a glass bottom boat over the coral, and eating smores. We took a nice little hike up to the top of a ridge that overlooked the beautiful north beach. It was a nice little vacation. We are looking forward to Memorial Day weekend for our next adventure!

Jessie and her drums

Mason playing the drums...

I've hit a major milestone in my quest to be my "prekid" size. I am officially below 160 lbs. I weighed in today at 159lbs. I still have more to lose, but to be under 160lbs feels AWESOME! It's been over 7 years since I've seen a number under 160. To celebrate I treated myself to a Big Mac. My first one since June, when this whole adventure began. I must say it wasn't that wonderful. I'm down a total of 21.5 lbs and I've lost a total of 20" inches. If I reach my goal of a 140lbs, Matt promised me a trip to Australia. Keep your fingers crossed!

Mason and the Ball

Scroll down to see the photo slideshow!

Well, Mason is officially hooked on attending the Ball. He had a great time last night. He was a perfect gentleman with a nice firm handshake. He had the opportunity to meet some very high ranking US and foreign military officials.

Major General Panther, the head Marine in Korea, was the guest of honor last night. He noticed Mason sitting alone watching Matt and I dance. He stopped and spoke with him and gave him one of his personal coins. For Major General Panther to stop and talk to Mason and give him a coin, was huge! Mason was glowing from head to toe! He chased the general down to get his picture taken with him!


Mason loved everything about the night. He loved the ceremony, the music, and especially the cake!

3rd MLG - Officer's Ball 2007

2007 Marine Corps Ball

Halloween

This year the kids had a blast trick or treating. We spent the night hanging out at a friends house. Mason and I walked all over their neighborhood getting treats. Jessie decided she'd have more fun scaring kids. She pretended to be a "dummy" with the candy on her lap. As the older kids reached in, she'd reach for them. Most of the little ones wouldn't even approach her. For about an hour the base opens up to let the Japanese come on to trick or treat. They were really cute. Jessie made a poor 10 year old Japanese girl bawl. The poor thing was so scared. The kids are already planning next Halloween!