Oh My, How Time Flies

Hum...so I see my last update was April 28 - that is almost 2 months ago.  My ony excuse it a lot has been going on since then.  So let's catch up first.  My son Sean has finished Basic Military Training and graduated, moving on to Tech Training in Witchita Falls, TX.  My daughter Melanie has graduated from high school.  My other daughter Jenna has turned 16 and moved into the "dating scene."  My in-laws have had some not-so-good health issued come up and are needing more care and help.  We spent a week in San Antonio, TX - had a blast and I'm going to try and share some pics here in a minute.  We are happy to finally be getting some warm temps and thinking it might actually be summer - still not sure yet - it's only been 3 days.  Anyway, you get the picture.  I'm busy just like you are, and I don't get around to updating this blog very often. 
So anyway, we had a great time in San Antonio - it was VERY warm there - around 100 each day!!  The graduation activities were amazing and we enjoyed the time we were able to spend with Sean on base, learning a little more about military life and the great times we had exploring things in San Antonio - like the zoo, the Japanese Tea Gardens, the River Walk, the LDS temple, and trying to manuever on the freeways.  It was impressive to see the way the Air Force is working and amazing to see how big the Lackland AFB was.  You could literally live there and not ever leave and probably not miss anything.  The BX (base exchange) is huge and has everything you could want from a mall and Walmart all rolled into one area.  The commissary (grocery store) looked equally as large, although we didn't go in there.  There are parks, movie theatres, a bowling alley, and lots of eating establishments all on base.  There was also a 'mini mall' that we went to several time that had a small grocery/convenience type store, a food court, a barbershop, alterations store (to do what needs doing to their uniforms), a shoe store, and a couple of other stores that I can't remember.  We attended church on Sunday there and that was fun and interesting.  We ate at the Officers/Enlisted club for brunch one morning, at Smokie Joe's bbq once and at Godfather's pizza all on-base. 
I have always been really patriotic and this whole experience just brought it all home for me.  We spent some time walking around the parade grounds looking at alot of planes - many from WWII era.  It made you realize what has transpired to keep us free, and what is still an ongoing battle to keep these freedoms.  On Friday while we were there, right after the final graduation ceremony, we went to the River Walk to eat.  While we were sitting there eating some people at the next table got up to leave and they stopped and shook my son's hand and thanked him for serving.  Then they thanked me for letting him and I got all teary-eyed.  We take some much of what we have for granted, but someone is paying the price and I now realize that and feel it more since it's my son that is doing it.  I am proud of him and now he will serve with honor.  So I would encourage you all to take the time to show your gratitude to someone that is serving - if you see them around or if you send them a card or whatever.

Ok, so here is Melanie and Calissa (BFF) the night of their graduation from Minco.  I think it was all worth it to them then!!

 Here we are after the first day of graduation activites at Lackland AFB.  Jenna is with us, but she volunteered to take the picture.  I think Heatherly was one very happy wife at this point!!

 Here is just one of the planes that surround the parade grounds on the base.  It was very cool to walk around to see them.

 During the 'pass and review' on Friday for the final graduation ceremony, one flight was honored to carry the flags - the US flags as well as a flag from all US states and territories.  It was really a site to see. 

This is just one of the cool things we saw as we took a boat ride around the River Walk.  Our boat guide was hilarious and we had a great time seeing the sights.  I would recommend this to anyone going to San Antonio.  I will try to post some more pics later - hopefully not 2 months later!! LOL