Beginning of the End

Well, we graduated.  All the pomp and circumstance was more or less a half-hearted effort to try and act like a real university.  ACSC did an OK job, but I really don't like having to sing military songs at my own graduation ceremony.  Neither did the 500 other people that were there.  I think we were the most unenthusiastic chorus ever.  Most people just wanted to get home to start their next adventure in the Air Force.  Some of us were just really hungry (me). It was nice actually having days where the whole of it wasn't planned, scheduled, or scripted.  In the 97 degree heat, it was also nice not having to wear a uniform.  I packed the trailer, randomly snagging men from Fam Camp to help me life heavy things.  I think the desire to life heavy things for women is ingrained in male DNA.  Or was that pack mules?  I'm just so excited to NOT be reading military history or doctrine that I've already finished 2 books and a plethora of magazines.  I can't wait to get my hands on the Alden Library at home!

We stuck around for the week, not telling "Lonnie" that we were waiting for him.  He thought we left Thursday, but instead we totally surprised him today by hiding in the tornado shelter and then knocking on the camper door after he arrived!  The kids don't seem to fully understand that we are leaving Alabama permanently.  As we were driving away today I was saying "Bye Maxwell, Bye Montgomery" only to realize that Ayla fell asleep before we were even off the base.  We are in Huntsville tonight and I'm wearing the kids out in the hotel pool.  Best. Idea. Ever.

For all my faithful followers, this will be one of the last posts I do.  This project was all about a year in a trailer with the family in Alabama.  We weathered tornadoes, escapee children, fire ants, and many other things this year.  We travelled the South, ran our butts off, danced like no one was watching, and made new friends.  This has been one of the greatest experiences of my life, even with the late nights, mountains of reading, and 2 months without "Lonnie".  We will spend a month in New York with family (Lonnie is still in Kansas) before heading to our new home in Wichita.  For those who are wondering, our Colorado home in the Black Forest did not burn and the family living there is OK. 

Thank you all for reading, laughing, crying, and being there for us in all the many ways you were this year.  May you all take the opportunity to have great adventures yourselves!

Slainte. Go raibh maith agat!