Last of the pix from graduation

I guess that I could really divide up this posts into about three different posts...but it's late and I don't have the energy to do all that. Anyway, I came across this lot of photos and knew that I needed to post them. Onto the explanations...

Right after graduation, there's something called a pinning ceremony. OK, it's not really a ceremony, but it's an important part of becoming an officer. The new officer has someone important/special in their life place the officer's pin onto their dress uniform (it's the symbol that anyone in the military recognizes as rank of officer. Each rank has their own individual badge/pin). Anyway, so Ryan honored me by having me do this for him. I stood on the bank of this monument behind us (height was a bit of a problem since the pins go on his shoulders) so that I could get them just right. The military (and Ryan) are very anal about positioning just so. :) We had a few laughs with it.





Here we have a little reunion from Ryan's basic training. One of his drill sergeants, captain, and 1st LT had come by for the graduation ceremony and came over to congratulate Ryan. Julia is being introduced to his drill sergeant here. Ryan was so honored that these men, whom he has come to highly respect, came to see him and others graduate. He joked saying that it was very hard not to scare himself into attention when the drill sergeant approached. LOL. Old habits die hard, huh? He said it was even more odd having his drill sergeant salute him. It was an awesome thing to watch.


The proudest parents in the world.



Sooooooo glad that Granny Mac was able to come on this trip and witness this important milestone in our lives. A big thanks to Mom and Dad for bringing her along. :)


Well, the graduation is over, the pinning has taken place....time to go home!


Well, not really home. But definitely time to celebrate and have some fun! So we went over to Mom and Dad's hotel to go swimming (The heat outside was intense that day and no amount of sunblock would prevent a sunburn. Our hotel's pool was outside.). So here we are hanging out with the pool to ourselves.