How about a trip out to an aircraft carrier? We'll get to see our fine young men and women of the Navy and Marine Corps in action on board the USS John C Stennis. We'll get to eat what they eat, see them at work, and even spend the night on the ship. Sound like fun? I think so! We'll be landing on it though. Yep, that little postage stamp in the huge Pacific. Catching a little wire strung across the carrier deck with a little tailhook bolted onto the back of an airplane. So, come on, let's go!!
First, you have to put on a horse collar, since the plane we are flying on doesn't have seat cushions for floatation in the event of a water landing. Then you get to put on these cute little hats. They call them cranials since that is what it protects, your cranium. You also need ear and eye protection.
Don't I look adorable?
Here is our plane. It's called a COD, or Carrier Onboard Delivery, and also known as a C-2.
It's small, and cramped, and has no windows so it's dark too. Oh, and we are riding backwards.
All strapped in! And I mean strapped! It's a 5 point harness keeping us in our chairs. I gotta put my camera away though. Remember, we are landing on the carrier. It's gonna be bumpy!
We're there! The landing wasn't too bad! There were two flight crew in the back with us, and they gave us a warning by shouting to brace ourselves. We cross our arms and hold onto the shoulder straps. It's very rough for about 5 seconds, then we taxi for a minute before they open the back door and we can see the carrier deck. How exciting!!
And yes, I had to take pictures with all of that on. The things I will do to get a good shot!
The wings of the airplanes fold up so they can fit more on the carrier deck.
The air boss hangs out inthis litlte room where he can watch all the goings-on.
Way too cool for words. What was even more amazing was the orchestra these young Sailors were doing to get planes on and off such a small space. 
Our first stop is the VIP stateroom, where most of the decor came out of the Mississippi Senate building. A photo of John Stennis with President Bush (the first one) is on the wall.
The ship's cook was busy getting ready for our visit by preparing lots of yummy food. Wish we had time to eat it!
We dash off to our rooms to leave our belongings before heading out for our tour.
Which bunk do you want?
First, you have to put on a horse collar, since the plane we are flying on doesn't have seat cushions for floatation in the event of a water landing. Then you get to put on these cute little hats. They call them cranials since that is what it protects, your cranium. You also need ear and eye protection. 
Don't I look adorable? 
All strapped in! And I mean strapped! It's a 5 point harness keeping us in our chairs. I gotta put my camera away though. Remember, we are landing on the carrier. It's gonna be bumpy!
The Cleveland National Forrest outside of San Diego is a beautiful place!
He ran around it.
Who would blame himthough? The little guy has so little hair and was cold.
Jeff wrapped him up in my jacket as the poor guy was shivering!
throwing it,
and making little snowmen.
He also liked climbing rocks.
There was just enough left to get your hands cold and wet.
What a fun day for Katie!
These girls were superstars, posing for us while freezing. It is winter, remember.
Mother Nature chimed in as well, giving us a beautiful backdrop.
So pretty!
Another beautiful sunset right as we get home. 
