US Navy Graduation, 4th of July and Bittersweetness

My husband is officially a United States Sailor! We are so proud of him and his heart to serve our country!

The day he called to tell us that was officially a "Sailor" we made cupcakes to celebrate!

We started packing...Cars are necessities!

We had a 6am flight so we arrived at the airport exactly 2 hours before but I didn't sit down at my gate until 5:15...sweating and already worn out! #firsttimeflyingbymyselfwithachild

on the plane shenanigans...he flipped this tray back and forth the whole time. Poor guy in front of us!

The next day was graduation day. Don't let these pictures fool you. Walker was a little booger...too much waiting for him in a structured environment. 

Yep, here is a good example of his mood...

this door was what we were waiting on the graduates to march through...

His Division...the 3 guys in the front are his RDC's (the ones who whipped him into shape!)

First Look!

Walker said "I like that, Daddy"

"I like your hat, Daddy"

ahh...and just like that we feel whole again!

Daddy hugs...

Walker wanted to immediately play "trucks" with Daddy

Walker's "Daddy bear"

The next day was 4th of July. We really just hung out and spent time together as a family so it didn't really feel like a "normal" 4th of July but this year it was super special for sure. We got back on base a little early and rode around to see where Daddy would be doing his schooling and then we parked and talked in the car. Then fireworks started so we watched them from the car. It was really special!

Walker loved the fireworks while he was "driving" ha!

The next day we had coffee and breakfast at Chic-Fil-A and let Walker play for a little bit! It was so nice. We pretty much had the whole place to ourselves!

Then the next day Walker and I had to leave. This was one of the hardest moments for me. I didn't want to leave and go back home without my husband. This was the part of the military life that is painful but gives an opportunity to completely rely on God's strength to get me through. 

One of the benefits though is the USO lounge in the airport! We got there pretty early so we were able to eat lunch and let Walker have some playtime before we headed to our gate. 

by the time we boarded, he was out!

then he woke up screaming and so another sweet mama on the plane gave him some trains to play with. Of course, I had toys but he had lost interest in them. I love how some Mama's refuse to judge and instead reach out and help you. 

Now we are home and settling back into our routine but anxiously awaiting another opportunity to go see Daddy and the day that this hard part is over!