Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing all of our family and friends a Happy Thanksgiving! We celebrated this Thanksgiving at the Kagan's beautiful home in Soundside. The weather was a gorgeous 70 deg. with clear skies and a spectacular sunset on the water. Bailey and Jake got to play football with their cousins and Owen enjoyed playing in the water and knocking around golf balls.

Thanksgiving has given us the chance to reflect on the things that are truly meaningful to our family. Our 3 beautiful and healthy boys, a great job that I enjoy doing and friends and family. We have truly been blessed with so many gifts. We tend to lose sight of the important things with all the stresses of everyday life. Between school, sports, household chores and trying to keep up with Owen, the days just seem to fly by. We should all strive to make thanksgiving not just a day, but a way of life.

Scott's New Squadron

For the past 8 weeks I have been in training to get "requalified" to start instructing future Naval Aviators.  Monday morning will be my first flight with a student.  I am flying with Training Squadron SIX (VT-6) stationed at Naval Air Station Whiting Field.  Once again I will be flying the T-34C Turbo Mentor, a plane I flew from 1998 through 2002 while stationed at NAS Pensacola.  So far I have accumulated over 2,000 flight hours in this aircraft.   

In January I will be heading back to NAS Pensacola to start training in the T-6A Texan II.  The Navy will be buying the 

T-6B Texan II to replace the T-34C.  I will be involve with the transition process and training new instructors how to fly the new planes and train our future aviators.   This will definitely make my last 3 years in the Navy exciting.  

 

Jakes Field Trip

Jake and his 2nd grade class at Trinitas took a field trip this week to the Langley Bell 4-H Club in Pensacola.  What an amazing trip!  They learned about all of the organisms and animals that live in the ponds in the local area.  Things like tadpoles, frogs, shrimp, crickets and Jake's personal favorite: "gooey egg larvae".

Other interesting nature facts included discussions on the life of a tree, how cotton is grown and harvested, a walk through the corn stalks, and the intricacies of the bee colonies.  The staff and volunteers at the center did an excellent job.  I think Cindy actually had more fun than Jake.

For those of you who wonder what 4-H clubs do; it is a non-formal, practical education program for kids that focus on such projects as gardening, woodworking, small animals, food and nutrition, livestock, photography etc.  The 4 H's are "Head, Heart, Hands and Health"  Their overall mission is to develop competent, caring and contributing citizens to the world.   

New School

This past month Cindy and I decided to change schools for Bailey and Jake.  For the past couple of years they have both attended Redeemer Lutheran School.  Between high gas prices, the long drive and looking for a more challenging school for Bailey, we decided to transfer.  Tomorrow marks the first month that both have been attending Trinitas Christian School.   The most notable difference is that Trinitas is a classical christian curriculum that employs  the classical approach to learning based upon the centuries-old trivium.  It has definitely been challenging for both boys and Cindy.  I am proud to say that they have both done extremely well in this new academic environment.  Their success is a result of their hard work and the dedication of Cindy .   

Both boys are learning Latin in addition to grammar, history, science and mathematics.  The biggest adjustment for Jake has been having to wear a tie on Friday!  Cindy and I are both very proud of their efforts and positive attitude in this new endeavor.  

Sunday Golf

Today Bailey and I hit the links for a quick 9 holes at Scenic Hills Country Club.  Lighting fast greens and brisk temperatures (48 deg.) made for a challenging day.  Bailey managed a personal best 49 that should have been at least a 45 (thanks to a 4 putt and 3 putt).  Bailey hit the ball great all day from tee to green and put a pretty good whoopin on his old man!  This coming Friday we will be playing in a 4 man scramble at the same course.  Hopefully with some warmer weather and better playing from Dad.  

End of Soccer Season

Today Bailey and Jake had their last soccer games of the season.  Bailey has been playing on a U-12 team called the Fireballs.  The Fireballs went undefeated this season and were the league champions!  Bailey started at right forward and had a total of 10 goals this season.  He had a tremendous season.  

Jake also had an outstanding soccer season.  Although not achieving as many wins, Jacob probably led the league in goals.  Jake scored 4 goals today to secure a 6-5 win in the season finale.  For the season Jake scored 30 goals!  Jake has turned into a scoring machine!

Little "O" with Big Swing

Little Owen showing a fantastic swing for 18 months.