A few days after I returned from seeing Jay in Hawaii, Maddie got go off on her own special trip to see him. The ship has a Tiger Cruise when they return from deployment, and family members have the opportunity to go aboard and experience life on the ship for a few days. Eight is the minimum age to participate in the Tiger Cruise, so it worked out perfectly for Maddie to go. She was so excited about this special trip she was getting to go on. She told all her friends and everybody at school about it. She was very proud and it was really neat to see firsthand the joy this experience gave her. She flew down to San Diego with Jay's mom and the two of them got to ride the ship back to Everett. Maddie said one of her favorite things was being met on the pier by her Daddy and running to be swept up in his arms.
Checking out Dad's quarters
Relaxing in her room on the ship
Pulling out of San Diego
The tug helping the ship out to sea
Sporting her new ship sweatshirt
Hanging out with Dad "Top Gun" style
On the flight deck to watch the jet fly-byes
Definitely the experience of a lifetime!
