Back at the beginning of September, I took a trip down to South Carolina to see my nephew Damon graduate from basic training. I flew down there by myself. I met up with my parents and my sister once I got down there. It was my first time flying by myself. It was kind of weird.
It was weird to see him all dressed up in his army stuff. He looks so grown up. Here he is with his fiance. Yes, I said fiance. He got engaged while we were down there.
The first day we got to spend with him he was only allowed to stay on post. We asked him what he wanted to do and he wanted Wendy's. I was surprised out of all the places that are out there....he said Wendy's. Wouldn't have been my first pick. They didn't have Wendy's on post, so we drove off post picked up Wendy's so he could eat. It is weird the stuff that they want to do!
The second thing he wanted to do was go bowling. So off we went to the bowling alley. We had some great people that are related to my dad's side of the family who live down there. The dad/husband is in the Army, so they helped us get around and tell us where we needed to be and when. We would tell them where we wanted to go and they would just lead the way....so super sweet!
This is Montana
This is Becky (the mom) and Normandy
The second day was graduation. It was a hot day and I'm glad that I got to sit in the shade!
Marching across in front of us all...
C Company - Damon's group
The C Company Flag
Here is everyone that made it to Damon's graduation. He has a lot of people who love him! From Back to Front, Left to Right (association to Damon) Grandpa, Step Dad Greg, Mom Tammy, Dad John, Friend's mom, Grandma, friend, Step brother Jonathan, Step Mom Beth, 1/2 sister Mackenzie, Sister Hayley, Me/Aunt Sandy, Fiance Jenna
Sister and Jenna
After graduation we went out ring shopping with Damon so that he could propose to Jenna later that day. We went to Becky's house that she so kindly let us invade. We were able to cook Damon a "home" cooked meal. He wanted steaks. It was so nice to relax and just hang out with him that day. The next day I got on a plane and headed home. Just in time for Zachary to get sick! Welcome home mama!
For those of you who do not know; A few years ago John and I lost a child due to a miscarriage. It was my first pregnancy and it was a very hard loss for us. Every year my friend Amy and I do the West Michigan Walk to Remember together. We walk to remember the steps that our child will never take. She has also been thru a miscarriage and was my savings grace when I was going thru mine. She was the ONLY person who knew what I felt. She helped me in whys I'll never be able to repay her for. This year unfortunately we had a few extra people join us. My good friend Mandy had a friend/co-worker lose twins. They just came too early. We invited them to walk with us. It is always such a hard event to attend, but always something that I want to do. It is my day to remember my baby.
My niece had her Homecoming Dance this past weekend. She looked very lovely and grown up. I of course being the picture freak, drove out to their house and then over to her friend's house to take pictures of the event. She wasn't keen on the idea of me doing this, but agreed once I told her that I'd take Zachary with. She loves to hang with the little guy and he loves it when she does too.
Of course I couldn't resist taking a picture of her and Zachary. Don't they look so cute. Ok, I'm might be bias.
Here is the group that went to Homecoming together.
