and Going

Tuesday we headed over to World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, also known as Pearl Harbor.  (For some reason, I don't think the new name is going to catch on.)  We were all up, dressed, and out of the house by 8:30 a.m., a small miracle in itself.  The parking was free and easy, as well as the entrance into the visitor center.  Keep in mind, if you plan to visit, no bags of any type are allowed, and strollers can not be taken to the USS Arizona memorial.  We brought our stroller for the visitor center and USS Missouri....and could have used it for the USS Arizona.  (I had one unhappy, tired baby at that point in the day.)

We got our tickets for the USS Arizona.  First opening 1:00 p.m.  What to do with the next 5 hours????  We got some tickets and headed over to the USS Missouri.  After a short bus ride over to Ford Island, a major highlight for all the boys, 

we ready to board the battleship!

We opted to pass on the free guided tours in the ship, in favor of a more kid-friendly tour filled with war reenactments and lots of pretend play that we were actually living on the ship!

 At this point, we saw a battleship lined with sailors pulling out of the harbor.  The kids asked me about the flag aboard the ship and I replied that it was a Japanese battle ship.  Mistake.  Aidan shouts, "THY"RE FROM JAPAN! WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!!!!"

 Caleb repeats.  Twice as loud and repeats this over and over agian while running in circles.  Aidan continues to make machine gun sounds while pointing this gun at the ship.  Meanwhile Kristen and Noah are pretending to launch bombs at the Japanese battleship.

 It was quite the scene.  I wish I would have caught it on film.  I was to busy laughing so hard at the children, I was crying.

 Here everyone is inside, mapping out our next route.

 We played in the lounge, 

 at the poker tables, 

through the hallways,  

in the bunks,  

 and in the classroom.

 Anywhere we were allowed to go, we went.  Anything we were allowed to touch, we touched.

One highlight, easily was the dental office.

 There were several locations, like the control room, where touching was not allowed.  We had to get out of these areas fast!

 The USS Missouri was the location where the treaty was signed to end WWII.  The plaque commemorating this event in the exact location was smothered with tourists so we just took gratification in the fact that we stood on that same deck.

After the USS Missouri, and a pit stop for some dippin dots, and another snack shop, it was our time for the USS Arizona.  First the movie....I missed most of it as Jonah was not behaving his best.  He was a bit tired.  Caleb reported after the movie that he was trying to sleep but the bombs kept waking him up!  We boarded the ferry and visited the memorial.

 It had rained a bit earlier in the day so the water wasn't as clear as I remember it being.  Perhaps it is the 12 years that have passed since I was there last.

The long day is beginning to take its toll....tired eyes. 

Once we made it back to the car, where water and chips were waiting....and a car seat for Baby Jonah to sleep in, we were all back to normal...just very tired!

Tuesday was a lazy night at home.  Jonah went to bed at 6:00 p.m. and slept until 10:00 a.m. (only one bottle at 4:30).