Our Trip to Texas

Last month, Chloe and I were able to fly to San Antonio, for Brandon's graduation events. His parents, Denny and DeeDee were also able to attend. We left before the sun got up on Wednesday the 18th, and got home long after it set on Sunday the 22nd. The 5 days in between feel like one long day, just incredibly drawn out. Flying with Chloe actually went really well, thanks to baby signing time, and some friendly aisle-mates who happened to be grandparents themselves.

On Thursday we made our way to the Air Force base, and first caught a glimpse of the Airmen running in their formations, chanting their "jodies". But that's all it was, a glimpse-we then had a briefing for the events of the next few days, on what to expect and what the Airmen could, and couldn't do. After that was the Retreat Ceremony, all 600+ graduates marched in, lined up in their flights. It was after this that we would finally get to see Brandon! Luckily his flight was literally right in front of us, which was ideal, as we would be fighting a thousand other people to get to our Airmen. Thursday afternoon we were able to stay on base with Brandon and just relax. He told us lots of stories about his experience, and loved being able to play with Chloe.

On Friday, we had the graduation parade in the morning, and then the rest of the day Brandon was able to leave the base to hang out with us. We all went back to the hotel and had naps. We also went to dinner at a fun bbq place called Rudy's it was just a little lean-to attached to a gas station/convenience store.

Saturday Brandon had the whole day off base, so we made a little trip to SeaWorld. We went early enough in the morning that the crowds weren't too unbearable. Just about the time we were ready to leave we really noticed the influx of people. Chloe had fun, but she also mostly slept in the stroller all day..lol Brandon had fun riding the roller coasters a few times, and even convinced his mom to go with him once! After that we just went back to the hotel again and hung out, Brandon and I went and got Jimmy Johns for everyone and brought it back to eat, before I had to take him back to the base. (I drove almost everywhere while we were in San Antonio, it was a little unnerving at times, but overall went just fine)

While at basic training, Brandon's flight earned the title of Warrior Flight, which gave them the opportunity to also leave base on Sunday (a luxury only awarded to honor grads and warrior flights). I went over early to pick him up, and we grabbed a doughnut on the way back to the hotel. Because of our check out time, and our flight later in the afternoon, we just had time to wander a nice mall and have lunch, before hurrying Brandon back to base, and then driving back the opposite direction to the airport. Finding the rental car return was THE worst part about driving in San Antonio. The directions they gave us were completely incorrect, and we ended up just going to the airport, and then following a rental shuttle to the lot. Luckily we made it with time to spare at the gate.

I am so grateful for the opportunity we had to even go and see Brandon, after 8 1/2 weeks it was the best thing ever. I was an anxious mess for 3 days before we left, and it didn't really go away until I stepped in front of Brandon after the retreat ceremony. His graduation marked a new transition into our lives in the Air Force. I am so excited for what comes next. Brandon is now at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Ms and has started his training for his career in Cyber Transport Systems. He is enjoying the "freedom" compared to basic training, and loves eating all he wants whenever he wants! :) Chloe and I will be joining him within the next month or so, and I couldn't be more ready and excited!