Our Georgia Trip

(I love pictures but this would become the never-ending post if I put them all in. If you like pictures, check out the sidebar for slideshows.)
On July 10th the family gathered at Fort Benning Georgia for Blake’s
graduation from Officer’s Candidate School.

We were together for a week at an extended stay hotel. Each room had a kitchen which proved very helpful to cut down on food costs. It was great to have the kids run over to our room each morning for breakfast and of course the babies, Audrey and Jacob kept us all smiling and cooing. Our room became the gathering place for meals, games and visiting. We had the best time playing a new game called, Crazy Old Fish War. It’s a blast. Sonnet had a separate but adjoining room that served as the TV room. Her bed became the communal movie couch. One night the grandkids requested a slumber party. Jared, Anna & I got the king size bed and grandpa made a comfy little bed out of a chair – such a good sport.

A couple days before the graduation, Blake’s company had an officer’s ball. They looked very much the elegant couple.

Anna was mesmerized watching Sara get ready and after they left she wanted to curl her hair and get dressed up as well. She tucked little baby blankets into the waist band of her shorts, pinned up her hair and borrowed my pearls and shoes.

Jared was good sport as he donned grandpa’s coat and tie to dance with his sister.

One day we all went to a gorgeous place called Callaway Gardens.

Acres of lush gardens, ponds and a swimming lake were available to visitors. The facility also had ranger shows/demonstrations, a butterfly house and circus as well as games such as shuffle board, paddle boats, miniature golf and a train. What I liked was that everything was included in the original admission price of $7- $10. It was great to just walk up and participate in whatever you wanted to do for as long as you wanted to do it. There are bike trails, a camp ground and a hotel for extended stay guest; although, the grounds are so extensive we did not see either of those facilities. If I were a local it sure would be an ideal spot for family reunions or gatherings.

Finally the graduation day arrived. We did not meet up with Blake until it was time to begin. He then hurried away again to join his company. It was a moving ceremony for Stephen and me. Beforehand a video played with patriotic music and military pictures. The guest speaker related rich experiences and gave the new officers wonderful counsel. The time came when each candidate was called to the stage to receive his commission. Wow, it all became very real.

Blake looked beautiful. My wonderful boy. Following the ceremony the new officers are pinned and receive their first salute. Blake asked his dad to do the honors.

It was touching to see Stephen in his dress Navy uniform performing the simple yet meaningful acts. We all loved it but then we are mushy kind of people.

The very next morning the whole of us headed home. Blake & Sara set out first to put Sara on her early plane. She made her reservation way before Blake knew his schedule so she and Jacob traveled by themselves. The Park’s were next as they loaded up their van to drive back to Baltimore. Stephen, Sonnet and I checked out last and made our way to the Atlanta airport. Blake connected with us there because as it happened, he was able to get the last seat on our plane. We all made it home safe and sound. None of us will soon forget the wonderful time we had together.

As of today Blake and Sara have closed up their apartment in California and officially landed in Missouri. They will start a new adventure there. For Stephen & me the adventure continues. He is back at work and my summer vacation has only one week left. Sigh. But, as Blake is known to say ‘Life is Good!’ I couldn’t agree more.