Off to the America! USA, 2013

19 Dec, 2013
In Dec 2013 we left Hamamas tucked up in the Finike Marina in Turkey while we flew off to the USA to visit our son and his family in San Diego and our daughter and her family in Dallas. This was the only opportunity we would have to see them in their USA situation before Andy Maine and Tyler returned to Australia in August, 2014. We were extremely excited as this was the first time the three families had shared a Christmas together since 2001 when we were in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia before the Dixon children were even born. 

So gritting our teeth for the long flight ahead we set of from Finike Marina, Turkey in the early hours of the morning (akka "Oh God o'clock!")

Our first stop was the delightful city of San Diego where Andy was based with the Navy. We had visited San Diego in 1989 so we were looking forward to the Welsh Jr's showing us their patch, as well as, visiting Tyler's school and hearing him play the trombone at the Christmas break up concert. Oh yes and we  really wanted to check out the stores so we could buy new cameras and a Mini Ipad! 

It didn't take us long to buy our new toys so we were all set for our tourist and family activities.

One of the major tourist attractions in San Diego is the famous aircraft carrier USS Midway so naturally it was one of our first site seeing expeditions, of course we were not disappointed as the weather was excellent and there was even a graduation ceremony on board that day. As you have most likely gathered from our other Posts we always find ships and planes to visit no matter which country we are in!

USS Midway

The flight deck with San Diego City in the background.

Tom with the Ships Bell

There were lots of visitors because of the Graduation Ceremony

These are not war toys!

Maine and Tyler had been on board Midway many times so it is now a bit "ho hum" for Tyler

Can't keep Fran and  Tom away from the helm!

Tom always wants photos of the planes.

Tom and Andy enjoyed discussing everything military.

After  enjoying  USS Midway we then strolled around the forefront checking out the tourist shops and sites.