Our first day

This morning Robynn woke up and said, "Is today the day we go to the Azores?" This has been the same question she has asked every morning for the last five days. Today I was able to say "yes." She jumped out of bed and said, "I need to take a bath, and get all pretty to fly to our new home." She then proceeded to take a bath and scrub herself up. She got out and asked for a pretty dress to wear, and that I would make her hair pretty by putting it in pig tails. I did not ask her to do any of this, and it brought tears to my eyes (that's happened to me a lot recently)  as I watched my little girl go through these steps getting herself all ready for her new home.

Uncle Chris, Stephanie, and Brianna stayed with us all morning at the hotel as we waited for the shuttle to arrive. Un-like the last shuttle we scheduled, this one arrived right on time. We drove down to the Navel Station and Robynn slept during the car ride. As we passed by Williamsberg I felt a pain of regret that we did not have time to visit. I'll have to go someday. We arrived at the airport on base and got all checked in. Then we had a seven and half hour wait until our flight. We ate at the cafeteria, we had some pumpkin pie for dessert, comfort food. Then Robynn watched a new movie I got for her, and also played in the awesome play room they have for the kids at the airport.

The flight was fine. Robynn slept the whole time despite a one year old who was clearly having a bad day and cried a lot of the flight. She slept through the movie (Hunger Games) thank goodness. That's something I really don't want her watching. Why would they show a movie about a bunch of adolescents killing each other on a flight where there are young children? She slept through the dinner cart, drink cart, the lights going on off, all the announcements, the really load crash of something falling, people talking, and the seat belt bell going on and off. I tried to sleep while I held Robynn, and wished for my ear plugs that were right over my head in the over head compartment.  However, I did not want to disturb Robynn to get them. I think I managed a few winks here and there.
Getting off the plane was easy and customs was super easy.We arrived to a bunch of people greeting us. I wish I could remember all the names, but it will take me some time. Everyone knows each other on the island, and we met a lot of people on the plane as we traveled too. People were shouting to each other across the terminal as they welcomed back friends. Charles new Commander was waiting for us with his wife, our sponsor Capt. Ross was there, and a few people more. It was truly welcoming and nice. They helped us with all our luggage, drove us to our rooms, got us set up. Capt. Ross had stocked the fridge and cupboards with organic bread, cereal, fruit and a few other items I was truly grateful for. Then Capt. Ross took Charles over to set up the cat. Robynn and I rested, ate cereal/fruit, and got ready. Then Ross was back for me, and I went with him, while Charles stayed with Robynn, to get my base ID. After that I tried to catch a nap while Robynn watched a little T.V. Then we were off to the squadron picnic. Robynn took a nap on the way. 

 We passed by Mother Marry watching over the island.

 A quick shot of the land as we drove by.

 The beach area.

 We had fun at the picnic, and Robynn had a good time eating and playing in the ocean once she woke up. While she slept, I held her in my arms and walked around meeting people.

 Rocks on the beach.

 Robynn's foot print.

 Then we went to see our new home. We don't get to move in for two weeks, there is work that needs to be done on it like a paint job, and cleaning before we move in. It was really nice to see though. The house is huge! Robynn had fun running around playing hide and seek with me while we looked.The yard is beautiful. I think we will be very happy for two years living here.

 Our backyard area and fruit tree's Orange's and lemons.

 Our avocado tree

 Robynn's new climbing tree in the backyard. Below is the persimmon tree.

By the end of the day it was back to base, where I went to the store and got a cooked chicken. We ate it for dinner, Robynn took a bath, and washed her hair. Then it was bed time by 7pm. Yep, we are on Robynn's regular bedtime schedule now. However, I was so tired I went to bed at the same time. The time change has been hard, our bodies feel tired all the time right now. I think after a few weeks though we will feel adjusted. A nice first day.