Monday, we decided we would drive as far as Moab so we could spend a little time in Arches National Park. We also made a stop in Cisco, a ghost town a little ways North of Moab. We did a couple easy trail hikes with the kids. Logan was really excited because he is finally able to say that he went" hiking in the mountains" which is something he has been asking to do for a long time.
We took another day and a half to drive to Lawton, OK. After several hours in the car, the kids were a little stir crazy and goofy. The red bucket on Logan's head is actually his garbage can. When we got into Lawton, we did a little exploring, then had dinner at Olive Garden. Lewis discovered how amazing Olive Garden breadsticks are. When he was finished eating a bite and ready for another one, he would let us know by yelling at the top of his lungs. You could hear him across the restaurant and inside the bathroom. 
Thursday was family day. Family members could come early in the morning and watch the soldiers doing their morning PT. There was also the option to participate in their 2 mile run, which I did not do. 
Later that morning I was able to return with the kids and Dad. We got to see Sean for a few minutes before the Family Day demonstration. During the demonstration, we were able to see many of the things that the soldiers are taught during BCT such as Drill and Ceremony, Combatives, PT, Uniforms, Buddy Team Tactics. 
After the demonstration, the soldiers changed into their ASU's (dress uniform) and got a pass the spend the rest of the day with their family. The kids had som uch fun playing with Daddy in the hotel. This pic is of them all "sleeping" together. What a goofy family! So cute! 
Thursday evening we had to return Sean to the battery for accountability formation so they could all get to bed and be ready for graduation the next day. 
I wasn't able to get many pictures of graduation, :( But it was awesome. All the Soldiers are seated, at attention as family and friends enter the auditorium. They all repeat the Soldier's Creed and singthe Army Song. Each soldier went to the microphone and said their rank, name, and where they're from. They presented some awards and had a guest speaker, like at most graduations. I thought the best parts (aside from being so proud of my awesome husband!) were the playing of the National Anthem (Go Army Band!!) at the beginning, the soldiers singing cadence on their way out of the auditorium, and the overall amazing feeling of pride and patriotism. These amazing men and women have made the ultimate commitment of service and sacrifice for their families, friends and country. After graduation, I was hoping to get some good pictures of Sean is full dress uniform. Unfortunately, by the time we got back to the battery, he was not in formation with the rest of his platoon. He and a few others who were preparing to transfer to their AIT units had already been sent upstairs to change and prepare to be moved. We waited for about 4 hours for Sean to be transferred and processed into his AIT unit, then he was granted a weekend pass. 
While on pass, Sean needed to get a fresh haircut so he looked his best to report back on Sunday, so we got Logan a "high and tight" haircut like his Daddy's. We were able to spend some time at the Artillery Museum, eat way too much good food, and just spend time together. On Sunday, we attended church with Sean at the Servicemans Group. That was a different experience, but very amazing. It is neat to see the soldiers having the opportunity to attend church, to receive that spiritual nourishment that is so important in our lives.
While on pass, Sean needed to get a fresh haircut so he looked his best to report back on Sunday, so we got Logan a "high and tight" haircut like his Daddy's. We were able to spend some time at the Artillery Museum, eat way too much good food, and just spend time together. On Sunday, we attended church with Sean at the Servicemans Group. That was a different experience, but very amazing. It is neat to see the soldiers having the opportunity to attend church, to receive that spiritual nourishment that is so important in our lives. 
At El Greco, a little Greek restaurant we found. Very good food, neat atmosphere. Sunday afternoon Sean had to report to his AIT unit. We were very sad to say goodbye again, but very happy that we were able to spend such a great weekend together. I am so proud of you Sean!!!
Saying Goodbye was hard, but at least we know that this half is shorter, and looking back, the first half went by fast. In AIT, Sean has been able to call every day so far. We have gotten so used to only being able to talk for an hour a week, we actually run out of things to talk about each night.
Sean has been worked hard on his PT, he has been very tired every night, but he's doing well. In the evening when he calls, I can hear the other guys in his room working on homework and studying what they've learned that day, and they always ask Sean questions. I love to hear him explain it all and teach the others.
Six and a half more weeks until he is done with AIT and gets to come home for a few days. We could find out where his First Duty Station will be any time after the first 3 weeks or so. We'll let everyone know when we find out!
