Navy Week Anchors Aweigh

Our family so enjoyed Navy Week, we are sad to see it end.  In fact our son woke up this morning and asked if the Navy had a train we could go see. Which I guess makes sense in his mind since we saw ships and a helicopter; I suppose a train would be the next logical means of transit to see.  I could tell he thoroughly enjoyed Navy week between his comments throughout the week and the highlight of his weekend.

Over dinner table conversation or during evening prayers, we ask the children to share their favorite and least favorite part of their days.  So I figured instead of typing all their favorites out I would share the photos with you. Here goes, the children’s favorite parts of their days during Navy week……

Yes, one of our toddler’s favorite part of her day was getting a “mommy/daddy water bottle”. The photo clealry illustrates why she doesn’t usually get a water bottle…playtime!

All three kiddos and even my hubby and I enjoyed hearing about how they battled during the War of 1812.

No need to worry moms, the sword is dull. This was by far his favorite part of his day.

 

Thank you to everyone who made Navy Week in Toledo Ohio possible and a special thank you to the Navy for this amazing week and for the hard work you do everyday.

Toledo Navy Thursday

What a day! Since today was the last Thursday of summer break we tried to cram it full of fun things to do around town together. I am going to miss my kiddos so much once school starts. I so enjoy their company, hearing their thoughts and questions, just generally being in their company brings me so much joy. We have had a remarkable summer break and I hate to see it end. But, as many of you know my motto in life is ….Live each day to the fullest for it is a gift, live like it is your first, last, and best day. For we are not promised tomorrow, so cherish today. And boy did we ever!

Our day started off at The Toledo Museum of Art’s Family Center where the Navy was visiting for Navy Week. Our eldest worked on the themed projected that was inspired by Ginny Ruffner’s Beauty and Drama piece (you can view a movie on her tomorrow …click here for more info). Meanwhile the two younger kiddos found much joy in painting.  Then we went up to the Gallery for story time.  The kiddos each had a clue, a picture of Beauty and Drama to look for and a story that coincided. 

The Gallery had me a little nervous because the Glass Ignited exhibit held so much glass, duh! And there were gorgeous pieces displayed on a small platform that was practically level with the floor. Hello! Talk about a toddler’s dream come true and a mother’s worst nightmare! I can’t image that phone call to my hubby letting him know we now owed the museum thousands of dollars, nope, that would not go over to well. But surprisingly the only person who got yelled at was mommy. Yep, me! I was taking pictures in the gallery and apparently there are signs all over that indicate that photography is prohibited, whoops! But I did manage to sneak this pic prior to being informed of the no photos rule. Enjoy…but, let’s keep this between us….

 

Then we were off to our next stop, Black Kite Coffee and Pies. They have the most amazing coffee and pies! We had their quinoa, tofu, pine nut, and dried tomato pie with fresh pesto and it was like a symphony for the taste buds amazing! We also enjoyed their breakfast bar filled with so much goodness. And I purchased an iced hazelnut latte. I have to honest, I braced myself for the worst as I took that first sip and I was pleasantly surprised at how satisfied I was. It was better than Starbucks, yep, BETTER!! You heard it here first.

Then it was off to our next stop….Imagination Station!

As we walked up we were greeted by some rockin music, it was the Navy band. So we sat down for a few minutes and listen to the music before heading into Imagination Station.

 

Once inside we headed for the Navy Week exhibit where they had various uniforms and gear the kiddos could try on…and even some adults partook in the festivities (my sister).

 

We played in the Kid’s Space for a little while then went down to the docks to eagerly await the arrival of the Flagship Niagara, USS DE Wert, and the USS Hurricane on the Toledo Channel.  We walked along the water and even noted a few wildlife friends. 

 

The ships were a little later than we had anticipated but watching the Flagship Niagara arrive made it all worth it! All three kiddos got excited when they had their first glimpse of the flagship. “It’s Ariel’s ship” my daughter yelled. “Pirates” my son exclaimed.  It was such an amazing experience to share. 

I am so thankful for this Thursday and I hope all of you embraced your gift and lived today to the fullest. How did you spend your Thursday?

For the local followers,

Listed below is a roster of events for Friday, August 24 through Sunday, August 26 as we continue on with the Navy’s Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and Toledo Navy Week.

Some notable events include:

Tours of the USS De Wert and USS Hurricane are open to the public

Where: International Park and Maritime Plaza, Toledo, OH

When: Friday at 12-5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday: 12-7:00p.m.

Tours of the Flagship Niagara – Tours of the ship are open to the public

Where: Maritime Plaza, Toledo, OH

When: Friday at 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Navy Week: Navy’s Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812

Ships of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and Royal Canadian Navy are scheduled to visit Toledo as part of the Navy’s Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and Navy Week, August 20-27. The week will be packed with family-friendly special events recognizing the Navy for keeping the sea free for more than 200 years.

 

Area residents will have the opportunity to learn about the War of 1812 and about the Navy’s capabilities and relevance to national security, as well as see the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian Navy firsthand through a wide array of community events and outreach. During the festivities, the public can attend Navy Band Great Lakes concerts, view Navy Color Guard performances, interact with the Navy F-18A Flight simulator, and visit U.S. and Canadian Navy ships.

 

“Toledo was carefully chosen as one of 15 cities this year where America’s Navy will ‘come home’ to demonstrate the mission of the U.S. Navy and the proud Navy and Marine Corps heritage,” saidCarla E. Lucchino, assistant for administration, Department of the Navy. “We’re honored to have the City of Toledo host us as we engage with local corporate and community leaders, interact with the public and perform various community service projects.”

Arriving  at the Maumee River front in downtown Toledo on Aug. 23, will be the coastal patrol ship USS Hurricane (PC 3) and the frigate USS De Wert (FFG 45), accompanied by the historic US Brig Niagara – a War of 1812 replica tall ship first constructed using the original wreckage salvaged from a Lake Erie bay in 1913. Tours aboard the ships will be open for public visitation.

Additionally, sailors from the Toledo area, the visiting ships, as well as local U.S. Marines and Coast Guardsmen will participate in many community service projects, including volunteering with the Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity, interacting with students at the Imagination Station, and participating in a softball game with athletes from the Special Olympics.

 

“The Great Lakes Region is as important to our Navy today as it was 200 years ago. Toledo is one of the many Navy cities in the region that continue to inspire and support our maritime forces,” saidRear Admiral Gregory M. Nosal, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two.  “I look forward to our Navy and Marine Corps team visiting this region to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, and showcase our ships as well as our men and women who stand the watch 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, protecting our way of life.”

 

The War of 1812, also known as America’s second war for independence, is regarded by many as the conflict that started our country’s rise to global influence. From 1812 to 1815, the United States fought to expand to the north and west, and to assert rights to trade freely with other countries without interference from Britain’s Royal Navy ships on the high seas. America’s modern Navy and its role as a global maritime force are deeply rooted in the events of 1812 to 1815. Earlier this year,the United States Navy and its sea-service partners began a three-year commemoration to the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of our National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner.

 

A full event schedule will be available online in mid August:http://www.navyweek.org/toledo2012/index.html and http://www.ourflagwasstillthere.org/