Exciting Life and Times!

Finally, I'm back!  I've been reflecting back on the last month and so much has been going on.  Five weeks ago today (wow, I can't even believe it's been five weeks!) My Bob and I left for Spokane for our son Brandon's graduation from the U.S. Air Force S.E.R.E training.  (See my June 11 post)  We were also very excited to see their new cute little house on base ,that they had just moved into and Dee and Riley are still adorable.

 The following morning we attended a breakfast with the Commander for parents and family.  It was very interesting to hear more details about the intense training that our sons, husbands, brothers all went through.  And now where they go from here.  They are now SERE instructors, but now with 6 more months of training as an apprentice they will then become certified and at that point will instruct on their own.  It's very intense and tough, and as a mother I just cringe. 

Friday was the big day and it was a beautiful day, although not real warm.  The graduates are now awarded their gray berets and their shiny black boots.  Their dress uniform is slightly different from others because of the Special Forces they are in.  Here we are, the proud family of Brandon.

Saturday included a family picnic and we were able to meet some of the other families.  These are all wonderful, bright, nice young men.  It was a pleasure meeting them all.

We came back home on Monday and the following Saturday Brandon, Dee and Riley came back to Pennsylvania for Brandon's one week of leave time.  On Sunday morning they had Riley baptized at our little home town church that was attended by my grandparents , as well as Dee's grandparents, and by both of our families on many occasions throughout the years.  In fact, Brandon and Dee and Dee's brothers attended Sunday school there as young children.  And now their baby was baptized there.  Riley acted and looked like the perfect angel.

 

What was also just as special that day is that both my sons were there together, both in their dress uniforms, and I could not have been more proud.

Aren't they handsome!!

Give me another moment to brag!

And here they are with their beautiful and pregnant wives.

As you can see here, Melissa, is VERY pregnant.  In fact, the next morning she went into the hospital and little Leanna  Rene was born at 3:41 p.m., weighing 7 lbs., 9 oz. and was 19" long.  Just perfect.  With the most head of hair I've ever seen on a newborn!

Mother, baby, dad and brothers are all doing very well.  It was so nice that Brandon and Dee were here to see the baby.  The timing couldn't have been better.  I had to split my time in many different directions for the week, and I have to admit that I was extremely tired by the end of that week, but I wouldn't have wanted anything to have happened differently.

Here they all are on the Fourth of July.  Again, the timing was perfect that I could have my whole family together for this weekend. 

So here are my two newest little Fourth of July firecrackers.

Guaranteed to be more exciting times ahead!