Graduation

It's official. My husband is a Blackhawk pilot. In Army lingo, we say, he's a UH-60 Pilot, or he flies 60's. At any rate... he's done! Well... almost.

On Wednesday, we had family day. Jaren's mom (Janet) and sister (Marci) flew out from Utah to join us for this special occasion. Anyhow, we got to see what Jaren has been doing during his time here at Fort Rucker. We got to go play around in some Blackhawks, and actually see the difference between the Alpha (older) and Mike (newer) models. Jaren has been selected to fly the newer Mike Model - so that means that we will be sticking around in Alabama for another couple of months. We are excited for him to be able to fly the uber computerized cybertron known as the Mike model.... but Jaren is a little worried that he will become completely lazy as a pilot and totally forget how to fly (it basically does everything for you). And I think to myself, "Great, we've spent how long here for you to learn how to not fly?!!!"


Later that night we went to the simulators. He got to show off some more, while the rest of us came to the realization that there are basically endless ways to die in a helicopter. Good, that should be comforting as I prepare for future deployments! Really, I am just completely in awe of my husband. He can fly a metal box in the sky! Oh what? Your husband teaches the blind to read? Well that's boring, isn't it? .... I apologize if your husband actually does teach the blind to read... but not really... because my husband is even cooler than yours.

On Thursday, he graduated flight school. It was surreal. A lot like your own High School / College graduation, only much shorter... and way more formations, turns, and creeds going on. But basically that same sense of nostalgia was present.... letting you know that this was a big moment. Even if the whole world didn't know it.

After his graduation, I Grad-U-Mated. They had a luncheon which celebrated the spouses and supporters of the graduates. I was pinned with "wings" and given a Diploma for a degree in Master of Aviation Support. Jaren totally surprised me with my "wings". It was a cute necklace that he bought all on his own. Good job Jar!

And so we are officially done. Yet not...

Life lesson? I think so. Also sounds a lot like the Army.

Alta, meet your Great Grandma!

My wonderful father recently flew out to Alabama, just so that we could drive the 10 1/2 hours to Arkansas to see my Grandma. Don't I have a great Dad? I do!
I am so thankful for the car rides there and back. #1 - Alta is a rockstar. She only needed to stop one time (other than the pre-planned stops) along the way. She just patiently played in her carseat, slept, and cooed like a gremlin. #2 - I got 20 hours of talking to my Dad. Just us. No distractions... no one else to interrupt us... just us! After about the first 2 hours we figured out that WE actually had to do the talking - it was funny. I feel like we really got to know each other. Why is it that we really don't know our family the way we do our friends? This trip was such a blessing. I will never forget it.

Anyhow, when we got to Arkansas, Grandma was waiting for us. This is her first time meeting Alta.

Alta immediately loved her Great Grandma. She was so happy to be with her. And knew that we were gonna have a good time.

Well enough about meeting your Great Grandma... Foods ready!!! Cornbread, Fried Corn, Taters, Peas, Slaw... you know... the usual. Top it all of with some Pecan Pie... "Well, I'm sorry that I just don't really cook anymore", says Grandma.

So the week was filled with a lot of EATING.

Good doesn't even begin to describe it. Grandma could make you want to eat if you were anorexic.

On Thursday Meghan and Anna joined us. She flew in from Salt Lake. We were lucky enough to be able to go on some runs together. She is amazing, and I love her so much. It was fun to be able to go running with her. We basically have the same stride, the same competitive nature, and the same love of nature. To say that we make good running partners is an understatement. I wish I could have her close by for every workout.

We hit up decoration day again. We celebrated and honored our family at the Shockey Cemetery. I got to see everyone from last year, and it was nice to feel a part of a big family again. I adore my cousins, Aunts, and Uncles. It's weird when you get to be around your family that your never around. You kinda look like each other, have similar mannerisms, and yet - you haven't been hanging out your whole life.... but still - you just fit. Alta remained the center of attention, bath time being no exception. Aunt Helen bought her some rubber duckies, and she really really liked them. Especially this one... which as you can see, she likes to eat with no hands. My Dad sent a picture off to Jaren similar to this one. His response? "Well it's not real meat - but it's a start." One thing about Grandma, she loves Dominoes. It's just not Grandma's if your not playing. Each night (usually after Alta went to bed), the games would begin. Now, Grandma is not your docile, "I'll let you win" type. She is competitive (Hmmmm... I wonder where this comes from), smartypants that will tell you when you haven't been paying attention to the "clicks". I thoroughly enjoyed playing, and won a couple of times too. Alta of course thought it was awesome when she got to play with me. I let her mix for me. Here's a picture of me wrestling with Meg. Apparently she doesn't know what a real threat I am. Anyhow, it was a great trip. I am so lucky to have the family that I do. Here's a final picture of my cute Grandma and my Grandpa (who I miss SO so much!)

I will be heading back up this Thursday so that Jaren can hang out with the family too. We have to take advantage of being so close while we can.