Alec's journey

This weekend was a very exciting and scary one.  Rusty flew down to Louisiana to visit the older children.  While there Alec officially entered into the adult world.  He decided to enlist into the Louisiana National Guard, the educational benefits are amazing.  Not to mention, I think he will enjoy basic training and AIT (advanced individual training).  He selected to be a combat engineer, just like his dad.  So it was really exciting for LTC Sears to swear-in Private Sears.  We are so proud of you Alec.  Fortunately, since Kimberly and Alec do not live that far apart, Rusty was able to hang out and spoil them a little.  I am glad they had a good time.  It is nice to see them grow up and still hang with dad in public. 

Rusty and Alec at LSU

Kimberly at LSU

Killing time at the MEPS station

Rusty playing around with the camera, because they were so bored.

Still waiting.

Really ready to get things moving.  Welcome to the Armed Forces, "hurry up and wait."

Step 1 - ball of nerves

Step 2 - Right hand in the air

Step 3 - Repeating the oath

Step 4a - Alec realizing this is real

Step 4b - Rusty realizing this is real

Step 5 - Thinking to yourself, "what the hell did I get myself into?"

Private Sears and LTC Sears

Park Day vs. Snow Day

This past Friday was 78 degrees and the girls and I stayed at the park and played.  We blew bubbles and just had a great time while wearing shorts.  Now today it is a different story. 

FRIDAY

TODAY

Our obligatory snow day craft.



Washington DC getaway

This past weekend, Rusty had to work in DC so the girls and I decided to runaway with him and hang out. They had a chance to go swimming in the hotel and check out a few more sites around the city.  Then of course, I got to go for a run around our nation's capital.  I ran for 2 hours and 15 minutes, and in that time I felt overwhelmed with the power of that city.  Passing each monument and reflecting how it all came about was amazing.

Washington monument 

For Kimmer

Rusty and the girls

THE White House

These were some of the quilts that were in the "Women In Military Service For America Memorial". 

Arlington National Cemetary

President Kennedy's resting place 

Rusty and the girls

Looking from the JFK's eternal flame memorial to the Lincoln memorial.

Robert F. Kennedy's resting place

The Tomb of the Unknown soldier.

 We watched the guard roam back and forth.  Unfortunately we let before they changed guards.  We thought 20 minutes with the girls completely quiet was awesome and we were not willing to take the risk to stay longer to watch the change of the guards.

Alison was so tired.  There are not many times she asks for me to carry her, I felt priviledged.

Random pictures.

The ride home was only an hour, they both passed out cold.

The girls and I.