01 April 2012

coming to america... (or at least the mainland!)

before i left, i finished two projects.  first were these two pillows.  these are just the bottom two corners.  the other one, i will show you when i get the final picture!!!

on the plane.  he's squinting cause the flash is so bright.  but he was looking so cute.  and looked so big watching his movie!  (and, he spiked a fever on the plane.  FINALLY took him in today.  yup, he has a double ear infection.... awesome!  we are hoping he might actually sleep tonight!!)

on the way home from the airport!!! 
still on the way home.  soup and diet lemonade.  loving it!

in their "winter" clothes!!!

her "umbrella".  a piece of foam and a drumstick.  her favorite "toy" so far!

at urgent care today...  how did he get so big??

we are 10 days into david's deployment!  he's got some pretty exciting things to share on here soon.  such as, photos from him swimming in water that was 23,000 feet deep!  (he had to jump off the ship to get in!!)

also, here is the link to the ship's facebook page.  they will put info and pictures on there.  there really aren't any new ones from deployment, yet, but another way to keep updated.  

also, again.  david's mail address... in case you wanted to send him a package.  he loves gummy bears and sports illustrated.  when i asked him what he wanted in packages, he said, "surprise me"!  so, there you go...  you do have to fill out a customs form, fyi!  and, it could take a few weeks (or more) to get there!  (ie, nothing fresh!!)

LT David Haile
USS O'KANE (DDG 77)
FPO AP 96674-1295

here's the info about mailing:

Any letters, cards and postcards can be mailed with the correct postage at any time. Be sure to put your return address on each piece of mail in case they get lost. Also, it is a good idea to number letters and card before you send them. Mail often gets sent in bunches, so your sailor could get 3 or 4 pieces at the same time.
Information following information is from www.usps.com:
Don’t send alcohol, prescription drugs, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, or handguns.
Do not send Hazardous Material
The Postal Service's™ definition of a hazardous material includes many common household and consumer products. They may not be dangerous on your shelf at home, but they can become a hazard when shaken or when the temperature or pressure changes. Some common hazardous materials include…
Perfumes, Nail polish, Flea collars or flea sprays, Aerosols, Bleach, Pool chemicals, Paints, Matches, Batteries, Fuels or gasoline, Airbags, Dry ice, Mercury thermometers, Cleaning supplies, Items previously containing fuel, Glues, Fireworks
 
APO/FPO/DPO Guidelines and Restrictions
Do not send the following:
· Obscene articles (prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc).
· Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or non-authorized political materials.
· Bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith. Items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.
· Pork or pork by-products.
 
To make sure package contents arrive in good shape, take into consideration:
· Extreme Temperatures: Desert temperatures typically exceed 100 degrees, this can damage delicate goods e.g. electronics.
Be cautious of items that may melt; chocolate, wax, etc.
· Transit Time: It may take 10-15 days or more for packages to arrive. Be careful of expiration dates.
· Items that may spill: You may want to put items in Ziploc type bags and seal well.
When sending a box, you must fill out a Customs Declaration Form (2976-A) at the Post Office. You will need to list the items along with the weight, quantity and value. You can also insure packages in case they get lost, but this is up to you. The Postal Staff can help you with the forms when you arrive.
Be sure you secure the package with packing tape all sides. It is also a good idea to include a piece of paper or card on the inside of the box with the full address on it. In case the box is opened or the label gets lost, your package will still have a way of arriving.
USPS Flat Rate Boxes are a great idea. The cost of shipping is based on the box, not on the weight. You can fill the box with as much as it can hold for a flat rate depending on the size. You can get them at any US Post Office.
Please remember that all packages are subject to inspection.


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