And each following day grew busier and time flew by faster and faster. Gull Cottage changed with new bedrooms, expanded bathrooms and even a guest small cottage tucked into the grove of trees at the far end of the back yard.

Every life has time like this, when the flurry of 'doing' and people coming, going and growing makes it hard to even notice the months and years passing. And for most of the family, the blur of time and all the many activities felt like a momentary blip.

Well, except for Cor, who remained excited, and occasionally burdened by her never-ending insights as she kept careful track of expected events that would be welcomed, and a few that no one ever wanted to mention, much less face.

The most anxious time was during the conflicts in Kuwait following the invasion there trying to stop al-Qada. US forces finally engaged to protect their interests in a campaign called Desert Storm. The pressure of his growing responsibilities and demands of the naval activities kept Jonathan far away, and other than pictures, the rare international phone call and one memorable shore leave in Cairo, the growing young Muir family took on the responsibilities of military life. The children missing their father, but proud of his achievements, Jo, handling the pressures of all military wives, raising the twins, and young Lucy without their father, and of course, Jonathan focused on his crew as they took on their serious responsibilities of protecting military and civilian lives until the cease fire was called in February 1991.

It was a treasured lull starting in late 1993 when Jonathan finally got assigned back to the east coast, and joined his family moving from one base to another until late 2001 when Jonathan was called frequently back into service in the middle east region and just received his promotion to Captain just when the second Iraq war, sometimes called Gulf War II began.

Having Daniel pin on his Captain bars to his uniform before he left to take command of the USS Ford was a touching moment for both men. Daniel could see the new weight on Jonathan's shoulders, knowing that once he stepped onboard his first command, his world would be changed forever.

"Your first ship son, I cannot tell you how proud I am of what you've accomplished. . ." Pausing so he could go on, "what you WILL accomplish."

Watching her husband give their son his sharpest salute to the new Captain, Carolyn gave herself a moment to wipe her eyes, and try to set aside the fear they all had every time Jonathan went into a combat situation. Looking over at Jo, she felt somewhat astonished, and truly admiring of how this capable young woman and mother was coping with yet another tour of duty, another long period of being without her husband, or having a father nearby to help raise their boisterous children.

"Well Captain," Jo said with a smile as she pulled Jonathan closer and tapped lightly on the glittering brass bars, "even with your new lofty rank, you do know that rank actually doesn't apply at home, don't you?"

"Never has before," Jonathan grinned, "think Lucy might buy it though?"

"Not going to happen Captain," Jo smirked. "She was onto you long before she was crawling about."

"Come on you lot," Daniel called out to the grandchildren. "Time for the four of us to explore that new bunch of driftwood that came ashore during that last storm."

Carolyn reached for her beach jacket, "Hey don't forget Grandma, I love to explore too!"

Quietly stepping to her side, Daniel said in a near whisper, "Is that a good idea? You were just telling me the arrhythmia was worse this morning, true?"

Looking down she nodded.

"And yet since I know that, I ALSO know how to handle it, stop and rest and even come back home if it's essential. Now will you stop worrying?"

"Never," he said with a kiss on the end of her nose.

"Hey Dad," Gregg said throwing his arms around his father, "You coming too?"

"Never you mind that," Daniel said taking the growing young man by the hand.

With a twinkle in his eye, he continued.

"I have it on great authority that your Father and his lovely wife have some things to uh . . . discuss before he ships out. True my boy?" Daniel offered with a knowing grin toward Jonathan.

Grasping Jo's hand, Jonathan smiled in thanks.

"All true, sorry to report Gregg, but you have my word we'll do our own exploring before I need to head out, ok?"

"Aye, aye sir!" he said offering his own salute to the new Captain before dashing out into the front yard to catch up with his twin Leslie who was already making sure baby Lucy made it safely to the stairs, leading down the their latest adventure.

Watching the group disappear down the cliff side, Cor stood, leaning again one of the large pillars.

"Good we have all this happiness today," she said quietly and turned back inside to get their dinner underway.