Our Airman

This past weekend we had the chance to attend by brother, Mike's graduation from Air Force basic training. I was so proud of him! It was really neat to be on a military base and feel that uber patriotic spirit. I know I never could make it through basic training and am so impressed with Mike's dedication, strength, and discipline. Here's how the weekend went...

Thursday night my mom, Katelyn, and I left Spring later than planned and got to San Antonio between midnight and 1:00 AM. Katelyn had fallen asleep during the first fifteen minutes of the drive and slept the whole way there. She woke up when we got to the hotel and was wide awake, very alert checking everything out. I fed her and then expected her to wail when I put her down in the pack and play. Nope, she just rolled over and cooed for a few minutes and fell back asleep. The next morning we attempted to see the Trainees Run. When we arrived at the gate, they informed us that we needed a visitor's pass. Mike had already got our information so they could do background checks beforehand, but as the clerk said someone didn't do their job. Somehow we were not the only ones that didn't have one. I ended up circling a small parking lot with way too many cars in it while my mom waited in the building for them to call out her name. The building was also very small and people were packed in there like sardines. We finally got our pass, but had missed the run. The next event wasn't for an hour or two more, so we ended up waiting on hot bleachers in the Texas sun for a long time. We took turns going in the reception center. Katelyn was a trooper. She sweats like crazy, but she was fairly content as long as she was entertained, being fed Banana puffs, or drinking water. Here are the pictures of us waiting. Luckily, Toni (Mike's girlfriend) and her daughter beat us there and saved us a spot.

It's only been eight weeks since I saw Mike, but when they started lining up outside the arena, I got so excited. Toni and I ran out to try to find him. All the airman look the same in their uniforms. Any tall kid that walked by with glasses, we'd be like there he is. We finally spotted him and got some pictures. Later, he informed us that he saw us out of his perphial vision and had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing as we tried to find him. It was fun to watch them do drills as they prepared to enter the arena. During the Airman Coin Ceremony, the trainees were given their Airman Coin and became official Airman.


We met up with Mike, but only long enough to say hi before the Honor Graduate Ceremony. Luckily, this one was inside. Mike was in the top 10% of the 700 graduates. Here he is with some important Airman. Mike could tell you their rank and importance, but I just know they are the big wigs on base. As the one on the right shook their hands, he about knocked them over.

Mike had the rest of the day to spend on base with us. We checked out all the hotspots on base, Godfather's Pizza and the mall if you can call it that. Everywhere we went it was very crowded and it felt like we couldn't get cool enough. You can see how sweaty Katelyn's head is in the picture below. That's us inside.

Here's a picture of Mike and Toni. Notice the space between them; Mike had very strict guidelines about PDA. It was good to have a chance to get to know Toni a little better. She's been so supportive through this whole ordeal.

We were exhausted by the time, Mike had to get back to his squadron. We went back to the hotel and relaxed and went back out later for a little shopping and dinner. We went to Panda Express because my mom had never been there. They were closing though and out of orange chicken, so she'll have to go back to try that yummy goodness. Israel had to work on Thursday, so he drove out Thursday night and met us.

5:30 wasn't early enough to get us all out the door in time. (Are you noticing a pattern?) We got to everything on time, but Toni was there saving us seats again. They bussed us to the parade ground, so Katelyn got to experience her first bus ride.

They had old planes that circled the parade grounds.

Grammy and Katelyn

Daddy can make Katelyn smile with his goofiness. Daddy doesn't care what the adults around him think. As long as his little girl is happy...

Once again in the heat, sweating and waiting. Israel actually took Katelyn in the shade because she was so hot toward the end of the program.

Mike decided to have us walk to his squadron, so we didn't have to wait in line for the buses. We agreed because we could see buildings. After a lovely 45 minute stroll with a baby, a three old, and most of us in flip flops. We got to his squadron. Did I mention, it was hot.

Mike showed us every little detail about his squadron. Exactness would be the word I would choose to use. Every knot, every button, every angle had regulations. We had Mike check to see if a coin would bounce on his bed.

The airman had a city pass for the day. We went to Papacitos and then to a movie, Salt. This was Katelyn's first movie experience. Once again despite the heat, irregular feeding schedules, lack of normal naps, Katelyn continued to be a doll. I think she's a future world traveler.

Mike, we're super proud of you and love you! Good luck as you finish your specialized training.