Moments that you never forget

 I realized that with all of this "lack of internet" I never got around to sharing the pictures of one of the biggest moments in Andy's military career... at least so far.
 The weeks leading up to it are fairly well documented. But that last week, well, it was an adventure.

 Mom dropped the boys and I off at the Ft. Benning campground, where we stayed in an adorable little, (and I mean little) cabin. Andy was able to join us in his free(ish) time and give me access to his truck. It was a full week, filled with the last minute details of learning how to behave in the outside world once you are an officer.

The boys and I had some playtime while we waited.

We were fascinated by the homes left behind...

pensive about the home we were headed to

and silly in the "home" we were using at the moment. 

We always manage to keep ourselves busy while waiting for daddy.

 We even went to the Infantry Museum.

Some very interesting displays, even kid friendly ones - but by the time we finished I had some very grumpy, hungry boys... see.

But the most important event of the week was the moment when all of Andy's hard work was recognized and rewarded.

Waiting

and watching (or perhaps coloring?)

Sorry about the close-up Tara!

Swearing in.

Aren't they a good looking group of officers?

Shaking hands with the "big wigs" as he walked across the stage.

When they had called everyone across the stage they were summoned into the back room, then dismissed. All of the families were waiting with anticipation. Their officers appeared. We waited, and waited, and waited. (Perhaps with less patience then we should have?) I finally flagged down a classmate I was familiar with and asked where he might be.  

He was helping someone else, of course. 

They had to take some "candidate" thing off their shoulder and put some official "I am now and officer for real" thing on. Andy's gifts are service and generosity. So of course he had stayed and helped everyone else. 

 I showed up with my handy dandy, never leave home without it, pocket knife and between the two of us we were able to get the job finished! 

The first salute. 

It was a beautiful moment between brothers. 

Andy wanted his Silver Dollar to go to someone special, and Josh drove several hours to do that for him.

One proud momma!

 One proud wife. (and three boys who are tired of having their picture taken)

 A family picture.

My dad came too. 

My family is proud too, even if Andy graduating means he will take us far away! 

One graduation down, one more to go. 

Chemical BOLC, here we are! 

Blessings,