CONGRATS! The Newest Assistant Class Leader!!

So, Friday marked the end of Week #3 and now there are 15 weeks left of Chris' training. This last week was a tough week for the Airmen on account of the short-week due to MLK Day, which was a Holiday for the group. There were 2 important tests last week, which I am proud to say, the whole group (9 total) all passed! These tests included a 500 yard gear swim, which is just like it sounds. The candidates had to swim 500 yards in less then 11 minutes with all of their gear on. The other test was the Basket Test. In this test the Airmen had to rescue a non compliant drowning victim and place them in the helicopter basket. Of course, this test was completed in the pool; so, there was no "real victim" and no "real helicopter." The tests next week will consist of saving a drowning victim and putting them onto a litter ( I think that's how you spell it??) Anyway, a "litter" is the backboard-thing that would be used to save people and hoist them into the helicopter. I believe they will also have a test next week on the belt-device that is used to hoist victims into the helicopter.

Well, moving onto the *Big News* and title of this post...Chris was appointed the New Assistant Class Leader! It's a bit of a sad story because Chris' "promotion" came because the other guy was "fired." This all happened on Friday. I guess the old Asst. Class Leader was having a rough day, and was just "off his mark" (we all have days like that). He was making silly mistakes and forgetting simple steps. So, on Friday, they had just finished getting out of the pool for the day and we're waiting to be dismissed. They asked the old Asst. Class Leader to "Pop Tall" - which, for those of you who have seen The Guardian know that that means to stand up...clap 3 times...and yell "HooRa!" So, they asked the old Asst. Class Leader to Pop Tall...to be singled out of the group, they knew it wasn't good and that he was probably going to be reprimanded for his poor performance that day. After they asked him to Pop Tall they asked Chris to Pop Tall, and Chris was thinking "What did I do..." - With both Chris and the other guy standing at attention, they simply said: "Smith, you're fired! Moore, you're the New Assistant Class Leader!" So, as I mentioned, the promotion is a little bittersweet.

The week also ended with an unhappy ending. Another AST Candidate threw in the towel and called it quits. So, now the class is down from 11 to 8 people left.

Emily's 1st Bite

Well...after our last visit to the doctor...our four-month visit...we left with a few shots and the go-ahead to give Emily rice cereal and start her on solids. Chris was present via web cam to see Emily experience her first little bit of "real food" --- if that's want you want to call Rice Cereal. Here's the result:

Emily's First Taste of Solids

The End of Week #2!!

Friday marked the end of Week #2!! It's been a tough week for Chris; full of difficult tests and achy bones. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday were full of long P.T. (physical training) days. Tuesdays and Thursdays were full of classroom days where, this week, the group had Leadership Training. They had another AST candidate dismissed from the program because he couldn't pass this week's tests. The man dismissed was the other "old guy" - he was 28. Now, Chris is leading the group in age at 27.

During the day the Airmen (that's what they're called until they become AST's)...The Airmen are pushed to their limits. They usually go out to dinner during the evening, and often bulk up on carbs (like pasta) because they are exerting so much energy while in the program. Lately, Chris' bedtime has been about 9pm...at the latest. Lucky for him, he is able to get a full night's rest so that he can be best prepared for the following day of training.

So, the group has gone from 11 people, and is now down to 9. I think I'll say it for everyone when I say: "We wish him the best of luck with moving on to week 3!!"

Emily Went to Disneyland

So, today we took Emily to Disneyland...and, she actually kind of liked it. She stayed awake throughout most of the day, only taking one or two cat-naps for about 10 minutes each. There was so much to see and do! We took lots of pictures with characters and went on many rides! I think the biggest hit was the baby-pouch-back/front-pack-thing. As you can see in the pictures, we all took turns wearing Emily, and she LOVED being able to see all the action and not be stuck in a stroller all day.

Week #1 is over --- 17 More to Go!

Well...the end of week #1 is finally here and there are only 17 more to go. Chris has made it through Hell Week #1 and hopefully things should die down just a bit...ok, maybe not. But, starting next week they will be going to a schedule where they will PT every other day rather then everyday as they did this week. A few aches and pains...and some blistered feet, as you can see below.

He says that he has a good group of people with him. They've all gone out to see the sites of the small NC town - Chris might have to fill you in more on the sites in E-City, but coming from one of the largest cities in the country, the small-town-life is a nice change.

pics of Chris' blistered feet and the puke bucket.

Life in San Dimas...well, here's Emily's latest:

Starting off Week #1 in NC

Well, I talked to Chris today and he is off to a good start with the first week of A-School. Yesterday they completed a bunch of paperwork, went over some basic instructions of what to expect during the program, and did a basic entry PT test. The PT (Physical Training) test consisted of the very basic stuff that each student should be able to accomplish...yet, of course, they should be able to do more...much more. These basic things are things like...50 sit-ups, 47 push-ups, timed running, water drills, etc. It's sad to report, but they actually had one candidate who couldn't complete the minimum requirements and he has already been dismissed from the program.

Today was the "real" first day of the program. They had a full day which left Chris with a tired back and sore legs. I think most of his acheness is because he hadn't worked out two weeks prior to the program because of the Holidays and the move...so he is "breaking in" again. Hopefully the next few days will be easier for his body to handle. This first week is the main week that they try to weed out the majority of the people, although I really don't think he'll be in the clear until the 8th week. ...keep him in your thoughts and wish him luck!

Tomorrow they will be doing underwater attacks...senerios where the victum is trying to drown the AST, and the AST must try to regain control. (I know I couldn't do it...I'd probably just give up and drown.)

So, as far as things here in San Dimas...
Still unpacking the last few boxes in mine & Emily's room - I am hoping to be done tonight. I worked on updating a couple websites and then we went for a nice walk in the afternoon. ...fun...fun...fun......ok, maybe not.

Chris at AST School

So, Chris made it off to AST School out in North Carolina. He has met up with all the people that are going to be in his class and they will start their training tomorrow. He was able to get in and settled over the weekend and here are a few pictures so you can see where he is living.

Below is also a short clip kind of explaining the training that he'll be doing in NC.

Welcome to our Blog!

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to our Blog about The Moore Family Adventure!!

Yes, that's right...2008 is going to be a BIG ADVENTURE for our little family, so stay tuned and check our blog often to get the latest & greatest about how Chris is doing at AST School in NC - or - how fast Emily is growing up - or - me...well, me doing what ever it is that I'm doing these days..?

Thanks for visiting our Blog...Enjoy...and we hope to see you here again soon!!

Tracy