Picture's Are In...

I finally took time and posted links to picture albums. Check them out when you get a chance.

Thanks and hope everything is well with everybody.

May this coming New Year fill everyone's hearts with joy and self-worth.

Follow the Photo Gallery link on the right side down by the bottom.

Happy Holiday's!!!

Dominic's First Christmas...

We went home to Palmdale for Christmas this year. I was really hoping for a white Christmas but all I got was a hot Christmas. Of course this is Dominic's first Christmas for the family. It was very exciting. He had recieved a lot of gift's being that it is his first. Everything that he had ask for, he got.

He got a new crib sheet/blanket set form grandma, grandpa, and aunt Jan. Aunt Linh got him a whale shaped rattle from Tiffany's and Baby Enstein DVD's. Uncle Matt and Vanessa gave him a stuffed football that belong to Matt. It was very nice of uncle Matt to give him the football. Pappa Brad and grandma Karen gave hime a cross with his name and a superimpose boy kneeling and praying. They also got him Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore singing Jingle Bell. I'll have to take a picture and post it later. He got my first blocks from the Pauley's. Cousin Kalen got him a Christmas reindeer outfit. Tram got him a gift card to Target and Pooh DVD set. I might be forgetting something else. Over all it was a very good year for Dominic.

Oh yeah our good friends the Davis's from sent him Pooh, My first Christmas outfit. He is wearing it and posing with the Christmas and his presents. See picture below. Joe and Regina gave him is first bath robe and slipper set. Which is very cute.

If Dominic could speak right now, he would say, "Thank you all for the wonderful gifts. I am having a wonderful year and had a wonderful first Christmas. Thank you for being part of my life."

Louisiana Trip...

Our trip to Louisana was a relaxing one. We did nothing but chill and Mimi and Pa's house. It was too cold to being visiting all the relatives. We had them come to ust this time around. We did however visited a select few. We went and visited uncle Frank, aunt Noni and cousin Chris. Uncle Frank's eye's lit up when we told him that the baby's name is Dominic. We still don't know why is eye's lit up but we've got an idea why. We also visited aunt Wanda's sister and brother-in-law, Charlet and Carl.

We meet up with Nyoka's friend Jeremy and his wife Cherish at a place called the Boardwalk. It is an outside mall type shopping center. Had lunch at a place called the San Fransisco something.

I went deer hunting with uncle Bill. Needless to say, I did not see anything. The only animal I saw that day was a Cardinal. Last time I went hunting with uncle Bill, the only thing I saw were paw prints. But on the way back to the Stonewall, I saw a Bald Eagle. So each time I went hunting I saw birds, not deer, but birds. I guess, Better luck next time.

Louisiana was a relaxing trip. It was a time of rest from the Florida trip. We hung out at the house the entire trip. Watched The Price is Right, Family Feud, Millionaire, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy all week long. Every morning it was southern home cooking, eggs, bacon, biscuits, grits, potato, and venison sauages. Boy was it good!!!

Well that was pretty much our trip to Louisiana.

Nyoka, Tam, Mimi, Pa, and Dominic.
Aunt Wanda and Dominic.
Uncle Bill and Dominic.
Mimi and Dominic.
Pa and Dominic. Tam, Cherish (Jeremy's wife), Jeremy, Nyoka and Dominic inside of The Children's Place.

Florida Trip...

Visiting Florida in the winter months is awesome. It was never too hot and never too cold. It was just right. We spent 7 days in Florida. Stayed at The Raddison in Clearwater. That's about 20 minutes west of Tampa.

Seeing Aron and Christian again was wonderful. When we arrived at the airport we were supposed to go to the hotel and check in first but we decided to go and surprise Chenoa, Aron, and Chris. We drove to Lutz and surprised them at their home. When Nyoka entered into the house, Chris looked up at her and said, "Noki, what are you doing here?" I then walked in and when Chris saw me, he came to me and gave me a bid hug.

I then asked asked him if he remembers me. He noded his head and said, YES. Aron came over and gave us all hugs. Aron and Chris stayed with us at the hotel for the length of our stay. Well except for Tuesday and Sunday night. We took them to two aquariums and Chuck E. Cheese. Ate Pizza three days out of the seven days that we were there. They loved pizza.

The first aquarium we took them to was small but neat. It was of a rescue/rehab/learning center. The place was not really intended for their age. It was more suited for someone who wants to go into marine biology or something down that line. The other aquarium we took them to was the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. This one was much bigger and more suited for kids and adults of all ages.

There was an outside playground that kids can go to. It was fun watching them play again.

We drove out to Homosassa Springs, which is about 1 1/2 hours north of Clearwater to visit Mary and Sam. Sam took me fishing while we were out there. It was great fun. Too bad we didn't catch anything but Pin fishes. Oh well, better luck next time.

That was pretty much of our trip out to Florida. Here are some pictures of the trip.

Two sister's loving each other at the Florida Aquarium.

Three cousin jail birds just busted out of baby prison. Consider them armed and dangerous

Chris and Aron showing us how much they love each other. Remember, they are dangerous.

We took a trip down to Saint Petersberg and visted the peir that was out there.

Florida'>http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/tokage2778/album?.dir=bcd3&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/tokage2778/my_photos">Florida Trip Dec 2005

Pearl Harbor Remembered...

I would like to take this time to remember and honor those who served and died on this day.

To the sailors and marines who fought for their lives and the lives of others, we appricate all that they did to secure our freedom.

We will do our best to fight and secure the freedom of the future generations to come.

You will always be remembered...

Baby's First Flight...

Well, Dominic took his first flying trip to Florida and Louisiana.

We first flew to Florida so that he can meet is grandma and Sam. He also got to meet is aunt Chenoa and cousins, Aron and Christian. While there in Florida, we went to two aquarium's and a Chuck E. Cheese. Of course he slept for most of the excitement. That's ok. But we got to spend time with Aron and Christian. They stayed with us at the hotel for most of our stay. We know they had a great time. They got to spen time with Dominic and they got to take cool and funny photos with him. I'll post those later. I'll tell you more about Florida.

We are know currently in Louisiana visiting Mimi and Pa, uncle Bill and Aunt Wanda and the rest of the gang. Tell is nothing toi write about it know, but I'll update it later.

Well, talk to you soon...

Happy Thanksgiving...

Well, the end of the year is just around the corner and Thanksgiving has come and gone. This yearr went by really fast. Just a mili-second blink and you have missed the whole year. Thanksgiving was good. A co-worker of mune invited my Nyoka, Dominic and myself over for Thanksgiving. There was a lot of food. She cooked a turkey of course, mac and cheese, green beans, mash potato, stufffing and a lot of other wonderful food. For dessert, she had banana pudding, peacon pie and some other pie that was real good.

Foe entertainment, we watched the new version of, "Willy Wonker, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory." I like the orginal one better than the new version. Too many changes. There were a lot of parts that were left out. It just wasn't right. Good intension from Plan B production.

The Duong Family is having Thanksgiving on Saturday the 26 November, instead of the traditional Thursday Thanksgiving day. We have invited some of our good friends. My parents and sisters are coming.

There is going to a lot of food. All of which are the traditional Thanksgiving food.

Hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. There is a lot of things that we should be thankful for. The most important one is FREEDOM. Of course freedom comes with a price...

These are the things that I am thankful for; my parents, my sisters, my wife, my son, the military men and women who are serving all around the world, the men and women who are fighting the war on terrorism, freedom of free speech, The Constitution, The Bll of Rights, Independence Day, the list goes on and on and on.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Happy 4 Year Wedding Anniversary...

Nyoka and I, just recently had our 4 year Wedding Anniversary. Itwas on, 15 November. I tried undating the blog two days ago but it was not working in my favor. But anyways. We have been together 6 years and married 4 years.

About 6 years ago I never would have thought that Nyoka and I would be together this long. Well we did better, "Marriage." I knew when I looked at her 6 years ago, that I would marry her. She was perfect. A white, blue eyed, brownish, blonde hair girl from the south. I call her my Southern Belle and Angel Baby. My life was set and I was happy.

Gift giving for wedding anniversary was always hard. Yeah I tried following the tradtional wedding gift plan, but somehow it never works out. I just try to listen for what she wants and what she needs. Of course that also sometimes doesn't work out. The next best thing is to either surprise her or get her what I think she wants or needs. In this case she remember what I had said in Wal-Mart. Todd McFarlane (Toy Creator), has this new line of Military figure that is real cool. I had mention that I liked them , and that one day I would buy them. Well she got them for me for our anniversary. I was really surprised and happy about the gift. The gift that I got for her was an Orchid plant. They're a very beautiful flower plant. Just as beautiful and graceful as Nyoka. I also got her some books that have not arrived yet. I won't say what books yet. She might read this post before they come in. I'll let you know what books next time I update the blog.

Well my Southern Belle, Happy Anniversary. I Love You with all my heart. Thank you for the wonderful gift and card. Oh yeah Thank You very much for the biggest gift of all, our son, Dominic. He is wonderful and beautiful like is mom.

Upper left: Marine Recon. Upper right: Navy Seal

Bottom: Marine Sniper

Asian style Orchid set-up.

Weekend Trip Update...

The trip up to Palmdale was good. We hit traffic but it was not to backed-up. Of course you always run into the drivers who should not be on the road behind the wheel. Anyways. Like I said the trip home was good.

As always my dad was very excited to us, especially his grandson, I don't blame him. I am always excited when I come home from work. I hug and kiss Nyoka, then I ask, when is Dominic? What kind of things did he do today. Sometimes I wished that I did take off of work. I am just rambling on about nothing. I bet you would like to know who Dominic meet this weekend, RIGHT!!!

Well, he saw grandpa, of course. The Bishoff finally saw him this weekend. Karen was very, very, very excitied to see and hold Dominic. She held him for a good while, then Matt wanted in on holding Dominic. Vanessa also got to hold Dominic as well. They were all very excited to hold him. Dominic was glad that he got to meet The Bishoff's. The only person that did not get to hold him was Brad. I'm sure that he is very sad and hurt that he did not get to hold Dominic. Well Brad, you'll hold him next month around Christmas time.

Matt and Wendy came by to see Dominic. Raul cam by to see him as well.

My uncle, his wife and my grandparents came up to see him. Dominic is my grandparents first great grandson. They were pretty excited to meet and see him. He slao meet my parents old time family friends The Pham family. Well just Tram and her mom came up.

I guess I have not told you how the drive went. Well, it went well. He cried for about 1 minute, just because he was hungry. Nyoka feeed him won the road. After his feeding, he was out like a bulb. He did the same thing on the way home. So he onyl cried or woke up when it was feeding time. Well, that's how the trip home was like.

Proud grandparents.

Vanessa and Matt enjoying Dominic's presense. They were both very excited to meet him. Nyoka and I are blessed to have Dominic surrounded by good people.

Karen's excited and over joyous of meeting Dominic for the first time. Sorry, Brad, Dominic well be back by Christmas time.

First Time Traveling...

Today we are preparing to travel with Dominic to Palmdale. Palmdale is where my parents and the Bishoff lives. He will be meeting a lot of the family this weekend. everyone is coming to Palmdale to see the new edition into the Duong Family. Everybody is excited. I know the Bishoff's are exciting about Dominic.

Nyoka was telling me the other day how DOminic like riding in the car. She said that he was smiling and looking around like he enjoyeed the ride. he'll probably sleep like a baby all the way up. It is a 1 1/2-2 hour drive. I'll tell you all about it when we get back on Sunday.

Here are some funny pictures of Dominic. I can see that he'll make people laugh. He might grow up to be a comedian somedy.

Yeah, I'm relaxing don't cha know. "Relax"

This is what he does all day. He yawn's until is heart is content. He is already taking after is "Daddy." My little boy is just like me.

Finally Home...

Today was the day of the departure of Nyoka and Dominic from the hospital. Waiting anxiouslly at home were my parents and two sisters. This will be of course my parents first grandson and my sisters first nephew.

As Nyoka, Dominic and I drove up the driveway and into the garage, the first person I saw was my father. As I looked into the house I saw my father leap from the sofa and holler, what seems to be, "They are home! Come see our grandson/nephew!"

Jan, My sister, his aunt, holding Dominic as he enters into the house hold and meets The Duong Family.

As Nyoka and I were walking around the ward, there were a lot of quotes/phrases painted on the wall. We both looked and stop to read this quote as it pertains to Dominic. We can't wait to see what he will bring into the world. We both know he will do great things.

Here is Rhianon holding Dominic. Heath, sorry about you not being the first Wilhoit to hold Dominic.

Our first family photo together. Taken at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton Maternity Infant Ward. (Nyoka, Dominic, and Tam)

WeHadABabyItsABoy...

Nyoka and I checked into the hospital yesterday at 0730. She then got induced at around 0800-0830. Her mid-wife broke her bag of water at around 1600-1630. The contractions started to worsen. Nyoka is a superstar, she scream and cried in pain and agony till her last breath. She finally got pain relief at around 2200. we both got some shut eye at she had gotten her pain relief.

Nyoka was disappointed in herself for awhile, because she had no progress. But soon after she got her pain relief, she progressed.

At around 0400 this morning, she was ready to push. Her mid-wife had gone home after her shift yesterday, but had informed the oncoming shift to call her as soon as Nyoka was ready to push the baby out. The mid-wife was called and she showed up at around 0530.

So day begins with athe birth of Dominic at 0823 this morning. He weighed 7 lbs 13 oz and 19 inches long.

Here's Dominic!!!

Of course this is Nyoka before the induction and pain therapy.

This is after the Delivery of our son.

Happy Halloween...

Happy Halloween to all. Here are pumpkins that Nyoka and I carved the day before Halloween. It was not the same carving these pumpkins without our favorite nephews, Aron and Christian. Last year when they were here, we carved pumpkins with them. They each picked out a pattern and they both help Nyoka and I gut the pumpkins and carve them. We had a blast. It took awhile for them to stick their hands in the pumpkin to gut out the seeds and the slimy insides.

Oh yeah on a side note, Nyoka is still pregnant. So no Halloween baby. Enjoy these pumpkin faces. Have fun Treat 'O' Treating.

This year I made pumpkin seed treats with the seeds. Did not have a chance to eat them. I plan on eating them tomorrow afternoon. I'll let you know how it taste.

Halloween fun, gutting and carving pumpkins.

Skull face, Nyoka carved this one.

Funny picture, Nyoka gutting and I am stabbing the pumpkin to death!!!

Haunted House, I carved this one.

Back From The Field...

Well it was a rough and exciting 6 days in the field. Went out to the field last Saturday, 22 Oct 2005, and returned, 27 Oct 2005. We set-up about 16 Base-Ex tents and 13 GP tents. The GP tents was more challenging because they were bigger. The GP were used to house the troops. The Base-Ex were used as medical spaces. Saturday was set-up. It went well into the night. It was tough setting up the GP tent up in the dark but we managed. There were generators running and we had light but it was still a challenge. The Base-Ex was set up first, so that we could recieve casualties. The GP's was not that important. Patient somes first.

As a Preventive Medicine Tech, I did not do much out there. Our job is to go out to the site and assess it before any troops are moved. I was not included in that evolution. My other job is to lay out where the berthing was to be, where the latrine goes, and where the Base-Ex tent were to be set-up. These are just a few of my responsibilities.

Overall, being out in the field was an enjoyment for me. Eating 3 MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) a day was great. Leaned a lot and was grateful for a lot of things while I was out there.

Overall it was great training. Now I am ready to go over there and do my job...

Getting Ready For Deployment...

Well its been one full week of MATEX Training with 1st FSSG, (Force Service Support Group), and I mean 1 FULL WEEK. That's including Saturday and Sunday. Tomorrow starts our field protion of the training. I do believe we are going to spend and about 4-5 days in the field. We'll basically set up a field triage, like the one you see in M.A.S.H.

A lot of useful training this past week. Topics from set up camp, to basic field carrries and combat carries. Weapons familiarization on both the M9, 9mm Bretta, and the M16 A4 rifle. Mount and dismount of a 7 Ton tactical truck. Triage and load patients who are wound in combat. Really exciting and cool training.

Well that's just a little bit of the training that we got in garrison. I'll update on the field taining when i get back next week.

Oh, this is just a bit off subject, but Nyoka's due date is next eweek. Can't wait... Really excited and anixous...

8 Months In...

It is almost time for the baby's arrival. As new and upcoming parents, Nyoka and I, we're very anxious and ecited for the baby's arrival. Nyoka is only two weeks away from the due date. The last week of the month I'll be out in the field training. She'll be able to reach. Don't worry, I'll never miss my baby's arrival. I'll drop whatever I am doing and rush to the hospital. The baby is moving a lot more lately and it's not just kicking, it is rolling and stretching. I know there is little room in there to stretch, but when the baby stretches, it looks like its going to rip out of Nyoka's belly. Sometime when the baby stretches, Nyoka's belly would look like the shape of a peanut. Nyoka and I try to guess what body part we are feeling. Sometime it feels like a thigh or a feet or a hand and sometimes it feels like the butt. It is very amazing. We are so blessed with this wonderful wonder and experience.

I hoping she is like a week late, that way I know for sure that I'll be there for the delivery. Well, we'll keep everyone posted with the coming of the baby.

I love to craddle him/her!

It's mine to craddle the baby!!

Where The Little One Sleeps...

We finally found a crib that we both like. The one place that we would never have looked, the Marine Corps Exchange. We were just looking for more baby stuff. When out of no where, the crib just jumped out at us and said, "BUY ME!!!" It is made from real hard wood, not that cheap particle baord material. The crib is solid, sturdy and is natural finish. We were both very excited.

I picked up the crib on a Sunday while Nyoka attended church. Brought it home and that Sunday night we put it together. The following week we purchased a mattress and bed sheets. Of course it is the Classic Winnie the Pooh bed set. Now the baby's room is complete.

Nyoka bought Classic Winnie the Pooh plush Winnie, and Eeorye. She wants to get Tigger and Piglet.

Now we're just waiting for the occupant that will be sleeping in the crib. This crib is a 4 in 1. It turns into a day bed and toddler bed and something else. This will be useful for many years.

The Two Wonderful's...

Nyoka and I had the privileged to take care of these two wonderful boys. This is Aron and Christain. They are our nephews. Nyoka's sister's boy's. They were here with us from 05 July 2004, til the end of November 2004. It was a wondeful experience. Something that I would do over and over and over and over... I would not have traded spending time with these boys for anything in the world. And I know Nyoka would agree with me. We are always thinking about them and how we miss them so much.

When they were here, Aron was two and Chris was one. We celebrated both their birthdays here. Aron's birthday was 10 July and Chris's birthday was 27 August.

We took them to Disneyland, and Legoland. Took them camping on the beach, which was quite fun. They played in the sand. They played in the ocean. It was cold but they still got into the water. We took them to the movie's. We watched Polar Express, and The Incredible's. Chris was sucha hoot at the theater. Nyoka is always telling friends and families about Chris and his popcorn. Oh yeah, and about drink in the theater as well. Everytime she tells that story, I end up laughing.

What was amazing was that both Aron and Chris arrived wearing diapers. By the time they left, they were both in pull-ups. We started potty training Aron around the end on July. So he went from wearing diapers to pull-ups. The beginning was hard. We took him to the potty about 3-4 times in an hour. Somehow he would never go. Instead, he would go in hos pull-up. Yes it was frustrated, but we had to have patients. I'm going to cut this story short. In the end it worked out fine. I think the hard part about potty training would have to be, number two. You know the smelling one. Anyways. After while, I thought to myself, since we're potty training Aron, we might as well potty Chris. Kill two birds with one stone. Chris was just like is brother, started out slow. but after awhile he go the hang of it. Oh yeah the code names for Number One and Number Two were, "YELLOW" and "EEWW"

During the porcess of potty training, Nyoka got a lot of tips from friends and co-wotkers about potty training. The two that we decided to use was giving them a treat, which was Peanut M&M and a Star. It was quite a treat hearing Aron and Chris asking for M&M.

There were so much more that we did with them. I would like to post them all, but it would be like a novel by the time I finished. Aron and Christain, we miss you and Love you both very much. Thank you Chenoa for lettting us take care of them.

Aron and Christain, September 2004

Aron and Christain, July 2005

More Baby Stuff...

Nyoka and I made a trip out to the base exchange on Monday, just to look around. Well, we were looking for more baby stuff and plus she was looking for a bopper. Its some horse shoe lloking pillow that helps keep the baby sitting up and it does something else. I really don't know if I can mention it, so I won't. Anyways, we were looking and I had stumble on somehting that we've been looking for. IT'S A CRIB!!! It's made of real hard wood. It's real sturdy and the finish is what were looking for. The crib well somewhat match the dresser. It's perfect and it's a 4 in 1.

My parents insist that they be the one to get the crib for. No arguments from me. They put thier foots down on this subject matter. Wouldn't want to get the parents upset. They are so thrilled about the baby. Everytime we see them, you can see the glow that radiates off them. I've hae the greatest parents on Earth.

The other baby stuff that we really need now would a stroller/car seat/baby carry. We actually found that matches the theme, Classic Winnie the Pooh. We found it at Target. We were going to buy the the one at Wal-mart, but its the new Winnie the Pooh. After we get the crib and the stroller thing, that would be it.

Oh yeah, we still need to get cloths, but that won't be till after the baby is born.

Check back later and I'll have the picture of the crib and stroller posted. Later!!!

Wasted Deep Sea Trip...

Well, another day gone bad. The deep sea trip was fun, but it was a lost. I was hoping that not to go south, but we did. The trip was not a total lost. John, Mark and I had fun. Mark caught about 2-3 sculpin. I think John caught about 2 sculpins. And I caught 1 sculpin. Towards the end of the trip, we started catching mackerel. I think we had more fun catching the mackerel than anything else. Out of the entire trip 4 people caught sand bass. The biggest one was probably about 1-2 pounds. I never want to go south again.

Heath, you didn't miss much. Can't wait for you to come home. We'll have to get some 3/4 days or even a full day or night fishing. We'll definetly go off-roading again.

Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah!!!

TGIF...Yeppie!!!

Well, another gone and were getting closer to the baby's arrival. We are down to 6 weeks left in the pregnancy. I must say, it has gone by real quick. Tonight, Nyoka was washing the last of the baby's clothes, sheets and blanket. When they were done wasing, I went to the gararge to put them in the dryer and boy do the smell good. The baby's detergent smells a lot better than the normal detergent. And the clothes look so cute. I really can't wait for the baby to come into this world.

Well it is the weekend again and it is time for more fun. I had planned a deep sea fishing trip for a couple of my co-workers and myself this Saturday. We're fishing out of Oceanside. Hopefully we'll go up the coast, instead of down the coast. You remember what happened last time we went up the coast. Right now, I dont even want to talk about it. I just want to relax and think about tomorrow's wonderful trip up the coast.

I plan on doing some house work after I get from fishing. Also work on my quad and getting it ready for a trip out to Octillo Wells on the 8th of October. Hopefully by then, the weather is cooled down a little. Last Time Heath and I went, it was blazing hot.

That's all the news I have for now. Laters.

Nyoka's Baby Shower #2...

My sister's Linh and Trang, had planned on throwing Nyoka a baby shower before she was even pregnant. Well when the time came, they threw her one like they had promised. It was this past Saturday weekend of, 10 Sep 2005, in Palmdale, Ca. All my cousins were there, well the first generation cousins. Some of the second generation cousins were there as well, so I call them. Two of my childhood/high school buddies were there. Long time friends of the family, which I consider family were there. Of course there were games and everyone had fun, including some of the guys (Brad). Of yeah, my sister threw a coed baby shower. Some of the guys participated in the games and some just watched. There were other guys who decided to play monopoly, The Dot Com Edition.

There were a lot food provided for the guest and then some. Foods like roast chicken, fried rice, dinner rolls, vegetable platter, lasagna, and other items that I can't remember. The dessert was a chocolate cover cake with something. All I know was that the cake was rich and good.

The gift's that we received was more than what had asked for. Gifts like the Pack and Play that my sister's got for us. A basket of hand knitted and crochetted bootee's, sweater, cap, and more bootee's. A diaper genie that will come in hady for the smelly diaper's. A high chair that will definitely be used later when the baby can sit upright and eat solid food. Baby blankets, cloths, onesie's, baby bouncer, and a lot of other items. Too many to list. Like I said all wonderful gifts. We were blessed to have such wonderful friends and family who love us and support us.

Here are a few of the snap shots from the baby shower. There will be more to come. Enjoy.

Playing baby bingo.

Thinking of what to do next.

I call this meeting to order. Let the baby shower commence.

Baby'>http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/tokage2778/album?.dir=1159&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/tokage2778/my_photos">Baby Shower, Palmdale

Upcoming Events...

This past week I received some news about upcoming deployments to the Sand Box. Yes, I am going to the Sand Box. For those who don't know what the Sand Box is, it is Iraq. I won't be going till February 2006. I really excited. I found out the news this past Wednesday. Don't really know how long I'll be going for, I just know that I am going. There's already training set up for me in October, MAP training. Medical Augmentation Program Training. I'll be out in the field doing night ops, land navigation, medical stuff and a lot of other things.

The last few months of this year is going to be pretty busy with Nyoka having the baby, setting up day care for the baby, me trying to spend all hours of the day with the family, training and getting my afffairs in line. I told my parent's and sister's last night. My dad took it very well because he was once in the army. He knows the life of a service member. My mom didn't take it very well. She immediately open your arms and held me for several minutes. I told her it was going to be ok. My sister's took it better than my mom but not my dad. I told them all that it was going to be ok and that I'll be fine.

Anyways...

Today, Linh and Jan (my sister's) they're hosting a baby shower for Nyoka. They sent out invitation to the cousins and to our close friends. It is going to be an exciting day for us. They have made this a coed baby shower, which is cool. Were sad that our friend from Texas could not make it. That's right Dominique, I'm talking about you. Anyways, I'll go into more details in the next post and I'll have pictures. Later.

7 Months in...

Nyoka and I had a fun Monday. Slept in because it was Labor Day. But when we woke we had things to get accomplish before the photo shot in the afternoon.

We started our day by going to Temecula's Mall. First we stopped at one of our favorite restaurants, Soup Plantation. Next, I had to get my truck tires rotated at Sears. When we got to Sears, there were a couple of people ahead of me. I could see that they were busy and it being a holiday day. We were standing there for about ten minutes and I noticed that the lady that was ahead of me was waiting to be helped. Two or three guys were helping to locate her car. Apparently they had misplaced it or something. At this time I was scared to leave my truck there. Finally a salesman guy asked me, "What can I do for you?" With a hesitant and scared look I said, "I don't know!? Are you going to lose my truck too?" We left faster than we came in. Anyways, moving on.

We got back around 3 or 4 pm. Started setting up for the photo shot. Background was black the area was the living room. Attire was khaki capri pants and white blouse for Nyoka. Khaki pants and no shirt for me. The atmosphere was calm and loving. The photo was about 1 1/2 hour long and we took up to 60 shots. Of course you won't be seeing them all. I'll just post the ones that I thought were good ones. As soon as I learn how to post picture albums I'll post more. Until then enjoy the ones that I've posted.


Here are the pictures from the photo shot...

Total concentration of what the sex might be.

Cradle and holding the baby..

Look at what we created, I think something is moving inside?

We can both cradle, hold, and love the baby.

Fun Saturday...

Another week has gone by and another great Saturday. Heath had planed one last deep sea fishing before his departure on Sunday. Of course a star cast was to attend the trip. First on the list would be Heath. Next is the cool and upbeat brother's from Corona, Jake and Josh. Then a guest appearance from Michigan, Rhianon's brother Chase. Finally the one and only, me.

We meet at Oceanside harbor at 0600 morning. Got on the boat at 0630 and did not depart until about 0650. This time the El Capitan decided to change things up and headed south along the coast instead of the usuall north up the coast. Maybe he was feeling alittle crazy or something. We went all the way down to Encinitas, thats about 25-30 mintue boat ride. Needless to say, no one caught anything worth mentioning. The jackpot winner was someguy and his 1.5 to 2 lb fish. We all thought josh was going to be the winner with his 1 lb fish.
Anyways.

After coming back from the fishing trip, we all went home and got ready to go to the beach. We meet up at the beach in front of Ryan and Holly's place. Heath, Rhianon, her brother chase and sister Rachael, Lisa, Brooke, Nyoka and Myself were there for Fun in the Sun. Ben and Carrie showed up alittle later. We spent about 3-4 hours playing in the water and sun taning. It was great. Heath was teaching Chase how to surf, what a great guy, Heath is. He is always teaching people how to surf. I tried boogie boarding. I paddle myself beyond the surf where Heath and Chase were waiting for waves. Boy it was hard paddling out past the surf without fins. I need to get me some fins. He was also teaching Rachael how to surf.

Nyoka and I walked along the beach staring at the sand and its dwellers. There were sand crabs, things that look like clams, rocks and a lot of other things. We walked to the Oceanside pier and back. It was a long walk but it was fun. We saw a lot of little kinds playing in the sand and trying to make sanad castles. One kid was getting somewhat buried into the sand by his parents and younger sibling. It was just fun and exciting.

Of course very fun day has an end. It was about 6 o' clock and everyone had to part there own ways. We said our good byes and gave hugs and warm fuzzies. It was Heath last fun Saturday before departing. We will miss him and he will be in our thoughts and prayer for a safe and speedy return.

Suprise Heath...

This day is a continuation of 27 August 2005. After riding in the hot blistering sun, we went home and rested. Well just me and Heath rested, while Rhianon and the rest of the gang prepared for the surprise party that Rhianon had planned for about a week or two. Of course I was in on it. I can keep a secret you know. Anyways, Heath was very surprised and had a great time. The party consisted of holidays that he was going to miss while deployed. Holidays like, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentine's Day, and of course his birthday.

We all dressed up in Halloween costumes. There was a big Thanksgiving feast. Christmas cookies, Halloween cookies, Valentine cookies and lots more.

It was a very well planned out day. Thanks to Rhianon, family and friends. This was a memorable for everybody, including Heath.

We wish him a safe journey. Hurry home.

Does he look surprise or what?

They were 60's or 70's swim wear model's.

Group Picture!!!

Even the Mystery Gang made. Vilma, Shaggy, Daphne, and Fred.

Nyoka's Surprise Baby Shower...

Nyoka's co-worker's, Felicia and Gina Marie, had planned a surprise baby shower for her that took place on 26th of August 2005. The two had been planning the party for awhile and keep it hush hush from her.

It was a memorable day. Since the party was going to be at the wrk space, the planners had to work around her so that she did not find out. According to my source, it was a very hectic day. The party was to start at 1200. So plan was to have her supervisor call for a special meeting with Nyoka and only Nyoka. This was the chance for the party goers to make it happen. The room was set up and the decoration was beautiful. Of course I knew of the party and I had to keep it from her. It was really easy, I just played dumb.

Apparently when her supervisor was talking to her, she gave Nyoka bad news aout people leaving sooner thatn expected. Nyoka's maternity leave would be cut short becasue of lost of man power. This worried Nyoka. So her supervisor said, "lets go find the business manager."

They were walking toward the party room. Her supervisor opened the door and we all yield, "SURPRISE!!!" You could see tears coming down her cheeks. It was a very good time.

Such a BEAUTIFUL cake. Compliments of Gina Marie and helpers. The cake was very delicious.

She was very happy with the gift that the baby received

A Fun Day in The Sun...

I had planned on taking Heath out on the quad and dirt bike for some fun in the sun. Saturday, 27 Augst 2005, was a perfect day. We made plans a week prior to going. I was counting down the days and I'm pretty sure Heath was doing the same. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday came and gone. But Thursday and Friday seemded to linger on and on and on and on.

It was Friday night and the time was coming soon. Heath had mentioned that he wanted to leave at the crack of dawn, literally. He said he wanted to leave about 0400-0430. Boy I'm sure glad we left at that time. Anyways, I couldn't sleep and was very anxious to load tha bikes up and go, but it was not time.

Finally, morning came and the alarm was sounding off loud. Nyoka was nugging me to wait up. Apparently the alarm was going off for about a minute and she was nugging me very minute of that minute. I finally woke and was very excited because the time had come. Oh yeah it was 0300 in the morning.

Around 0345, I opened the garage and was waitng for Heath's arrival. At last the man of the hour is here. We can get the bikes loaded up. I can see that Heath was really excited about this morning. He had mentioned to me that he could not sleep either and that e went to bed at 0100 that morning. Poor Heath only had a couple hours of sleep. He said it was well worth it.

WE were on the road around 0430. We arrived at Ocotillo WElls around 0630. Like I had mentioned before, I'm sure glad that Heath suggested that we leave at 0400. On the drive up we felt the temperature changed from cold, cool, warm, and then hot.

As soon as we arrived, we unloaded the bikes, put on riding gear and faces and began to ride. Heath started off riding the quad because that's what he felt comfortable with. And I of course rode the dirt bike.

We rode for about 1 hour and then we headed back to camp. We rested, and drank water. I asked Heath if he wanted to give the dirt bike a try and of course without hesitation, he answered , "YES!" He started riding around the camp so that he could get a feel for it. he did that for about 10 minutes. You could see that he was have the time of his life on the bike. So we then headed out on a ride. He rode the dirt bike while I rode the quad.

This time out, Heath wanted to find some jumps and I agree. We finally found a decent mound that we can use for some mondo big air fun. I had brought my video camera along and got some really cool video of Heath getting some mondo big air. it was great. Of course, he mixed it up with no handers, no hnader landing and some gnarly tricks. He took on big burms and big hill climbs. Boy he was having loads of fun.

Well here are some pictures. Enjoy.

Heath on Suzuki LT 250R chilling out in the HOT blistering SUN!!!

Heath on Honda CR 125R wishing that it was cooooler than 105 degrees F.

This is Ocotillo Wells. The desert wasteland that we rode on. We almost died of HEAT EXHAUSTION!!!

Heath's" Riding Adventure