Abilene Day 2 - Retirement Ceremony and Family Time

 It's Day 2 in Abilene and the celebration will continue and peak today.  Sooo much to do and then --- bask in the day.  

Mister and I get started with a trip to a new-to-us coffee shop.  Mezamiz was fabulous and here is the LINK to the spotlight post I did.  OMG --- I would so hang out here for various events and just chill time as well.

Okie dokie -- time to get going.  I told Jen I would help her with errands and the clock is just moving forward.  On we go and get to the house.  As I'm waiting for Jen to get all her ducks in a row, a nice visit with Anna (Louis's sister) ensues.  How fun to reconnect.

And we are off.  I didn't take pictures, BUT our trip was not without its moments.   First up:  Pick up the flowers.  We arrive to blank stares and no flowers.  The order is right there on the board, but somehow no one knew about it.  Alrighty then.  We are assured that they will be done in an hour and depart for stop number 2.  Into the cupcake shop and it starts to take quite a bit of time, causing us some concern, but they do appear with the order, which we take home and begin the group challenge of determining how to best display them at the event.  (This is where I discover just how much I talk with my hands.)

Oh yeah --- the lovelies we are talking about.  This is just one box out of four and they are beautiful.

My sweetheart helping get lunch ready for all.  In all honesty, there were a ton of us working on this, but he's the only one left as I take the picture.

After lunch is done and cleaned up, it's time to make our journey to the base.  We have to get the cupcakes set up and check out the room for photography.  Louis has asked Doug to take pictures of the event and he's hoping for good light.

When we get the the reception room, it is VERY occupied by the squadron, so we find a counter near the back and get to work with the flowers and cupcakes.  All in all --- not too bad.

Into the room where our seats are assigned.  The room does not have great lighting, which kind of stinks, but my love will do his best.  It also appears to be dang hot in here.  Apparently the a/c is not working.  I won't be needing the sweater I brought --- but it's all good.  

It's time ---- 

I've grabbed just a couple of pics from my sweetheart - enough to tell the story.  Enjoy!

Throughout the ceremony ---Louis was SERIOUS!  As it came closer to the words he was waiting to hear, a little grin started to appear.

So many letters and certificates --- IMPRESSIVE!!

  

They don't forget spouses ---- LOVED it --

Or children - it takes the whole family to work together.

Flag ceremony while Bekah reads - 

Stories from fellow servicemen and my grands.  It was fabulous and I wish I had a video of it all.  Thanks you for your service videos were sent from other family members who couldn't attend and, all in all, it was a wonderful ceremony.  Louis even got to tell a few stories himself.

That's it --- he's out and ready to depart into a new world.  Twenty-six years of service to our country and he did it with grace and honor - not to mention a few VERY high awards.  So, so proud.  (Keep reading - we're not done.)

I've had Louis in my life for ALL of his years of service and then some.  He is another of my children and I love and respect him so much.  Has it always been perfect?  No relationship ever is, but we're in a good place and I need him to know that.

The Moms

The proof.

The party.  As we move down into the reception area, I am in shock.  These amazing servicemen who were partying and enjoying their day have gone to work for us.  It's AMAZING.

A moment with the grands and their chance to show me what the medals they received.  So, so cool.

Toss in some cousins and they've found a way to hang and kill time while still being supportive.

Ahhh, Congratulations Louis.  I love ya.  Would not have missed this for anything.

Three generations --- loving time together.

Even Grandpa gets in a hug with the eldest grand.  Treasured moments.

Another room down the hall has all of the certificates and some memorabilia from Louis' service.  It is a chance for family to visit and just relax for a wee bit before all the clean up commences.

I cannot express how much I love these candid shots when they don't know they're being watched.

This - just this.

At this point, I start gathering groups to take pictures.  The brothers three.

Add in Sis and the siblings are complete.

Can't forget Mom.  Great family shot.

Jen's family!!!

Time with each child --- great memories and so much fun.

That's it.  Time to get to work while Louis and Jen visit with their guests.  The kids pitch in and round up vehicles and we have it under control in no time.  I was so impressed - honest.  Not a single complaint and lots of willingness to problem-solve.  Home to change clothes and then to dinner at Belle's.  After dinner, we want to take some group photos and the kids are killing time with a parking lot game.

Time for the pics - (all who attended except me and Mister, lol) -

Ahh, there we are ---- Parent time.

Back at the house --- the evening ends with visiting and kids swimming.

Oh - and Grandpa being pesty --- perfect.  Someone even said, "He got it right in my ear."  LOL.  The perfect ending to a wonderful day filled with love and gratitude.