Home from Pre-Deployment Leave!!!

As many of you know we've been on a much needed vacation these past two weeks, thankfully before most battalions deploy Marines and their families are given a short vacation in preparation for the long period of separation ahead. We decided to split our vacation into two parts: spending the first week in North Carolina with our families & then heading back to Southern California to visit a few hot spots. These pics represent a few of the fun things we were able to do while at home with the Bass Family. All in all is was a wonderfully relaxing time & as always makes us wish we lived closer to our families!

Here we are in Raleigh enjoying a snow cone with Daniel, Mikel & Madi...we flew into and out of Raleigh's Airport. So it was a great opportunity to hang-out with Jon's middle brother, his wife & their precious one year old!
Jon sure does miss his best friend Aaron, since the two of them have been quite busy & living in different countries these past few years. They enjoyed some quality time together and some NC BBQ while we were home. Aaron & Stacy congrats on your recent engagement! We couldn't be more thrilled for the two of you...
As always it's wonderful to see grand-parents whenever we have the opportunity & this time was no exception. Jon's grandfather is a huge fan of his young Marine grandson and buzzed his head in show of his support as Jon heads to IRAQ. We love you both & are thankful for your continued support!
Taking Family pics with a one year old is quite an experience! (best out of 7) Kudos to all our friends/family with little kids, especially all those we know who are single parents for half the year! So small yet so much work...

The Graffsma Family, our long time Westover friends, were kind enough to treat us to a family day on the lake. It was great fun, we were all a bit sore the next day but it was well worth it! (Linda even let Carl take her for a spin on the Jet Ski)