We're fortunate to be in a Cub Scout group that appreciates a good adventure... these adventures are new to our family but we're learning to embrace them! Staying the night on the
USS Lexington a.k.a. "The Blue Ghost" certainly proved to be that adventure and great memories were made. This momma is learning along with her kiddos...
Pictured above is the massive CV-16 World War II vintage - Aircraft Carrier as we drove over the bridge. The kids were so excited when we explained
that is what we're staying the night on tonight! The
USS Lexington served the US longer and set more records than any other carrier in the history of naval aviation. We stayed the night and experienced a taste of history.
Although there is no place for the spa or even a nice bubble bath - there are many places for tours and exploration of all ages. The kids were in heaven. H and E walked every inch of this ship...
Every. Inch.
And if you know me... you can trust I took plenty of photos... I'll highlight a few here...
The males and females slept in separate quarters. This photo is of E taking the downstairs climb to our berthing quarters. Upon further exploration of the word "
berthing" - it basically means cramming as many men as possible in a small space so they can sleep for a short time.
Lower deck walking towards our quarters. Watch your head!
Where we slept... my bed is the coffin-like one on the bottom with the green mattress. Hey, you can do most anything for just one night for your kiddos, right? We had lots of talking, giggling and girl-bonding fun... so it was worth it. For one night.
There's my boy... just earned his Wolf rank with the rest of our den last month. Stopped for a photo in front of the main stage at Hanger Bay 2. We were treated like Sailors and expected to follow the rules. Shirts tucked in, hats on straight and no hands in pockets! Lights out at 11 PM with
taps. And 6:45 wake up to
Reveille which was really 5:45 AM with the time change. * sigh * Yes... we were tired.
The flight deck is massive. They say you can park over 1,000 vehicles on the flight deck. It's amazing to imagine planes landing and taking off the landing strip. How do these ships even stay afloat???? It was windy -- as you can see -- but the kids were having so much fun!
At the end of the day on Saturday we participated in an amazing flag ceremony. We honored the 5 Branches of the Military and learned about the flag that represents each branch. You could not help but be moved and grateful for our men and women who serve and protect us all over the world.
I sure wish Lammey could talk... She would sure have a lot to say since Lammey goes on each and every vacation and adventure we take... I love this photo of Emma and Lammey...
"Now here this, now here this: We had a wonderful trip... a great adventure. Carry on."
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