Patriotism was high that day at the graduation. A feeling of knowing that my son-in-law (who really is more my son than my son-in-law) was a part of something much bigger than us. It was a proud day. Of course we had not seen Paul since the last of July and here we were able to see him, but could not talk to him or even touch him......yet! 
For those of you who do not know Paul, he is in the third row and second one from the left. He looked much different as he has lost about 30 pounds and has no hair! But handsome he is!!!!!
The little girls were thrilled to see their daddy! Ashton saw him when he first came in and started crying. She could not quit crying all during the graduation. She thought he was different and we think she thought he didn't love her because he could not say anything to her! It was very emotional for all of us. Emma kept trying to find him and I finally put her on my lap and pointed with her to count the men and she could find him. Her whole body relaxed when she saw him! It was a special moment. Of course Paul was suppose to be looking forward and not looking around. But when he saw us and saw that Emma saw him, he could not help but grin! 
We spent the day on Wednesday, after graduation with Paul. He could not leave the base and so we spent some time at the PX, eating and talking and walking the aisles. Later we went to the van and drove around base, seeing all the different places Paul had been during his training. At one point, we parked in an elementary school parking lot and napped and played with the girls while in the van. It was a dreary day outside and getting colder by the minute. We tried to go bowling but no lanes were open. There was really very little to do on base. I think the military keeps the guys on base so the families will spend money at the PX!!!! After all, when shopping is all you can, why not? Many soldiers and families were carrying stuff out by the basket full. It was a long, but fun day! 
For Thanksgiving Day, Paul was able to leave the base. We picked him up and went to Grandmother and Granddaddy's house for Thanksgiving. It was a special day. Lots of family and a friend from the base went with us. Kris wanted us to drop him off at the mall in Elizabethtown. We were not sure the mall was going to open so we talked him into going with us to Summer Shade. He agreed and we had a great day with family. It was a special time and Grandmother was so happy we had brought Kris along. While we were eating that evening, back in Elizabethtown, two ladies came by our table and thanked Paul and Kris for their part in serving our Country. It made Tollie and I tear up! It was a very special time. Later, Paul told us on Friday when he and about five others flew to South Carolina for their specialty training to start, a man laid down money on the table where they were eating and said thanks, leaving $50.00 for them to use to buy their meal. These times have been most touching to me.
We had such a good time at Grandmother and Granddaddy's. We played in the leaves, rode the tractor and spent some down time before going on to the graduation. Of course all of us were anxious to get to Elizabethtown and to the graduation!!!!
Riding the tractor thrilled the girls. They loved being outside and wanted to walk in the woods. The colors of fall were everywhere. Grandmother said that about two weeks ago was the peak time but we still had plenty of ahhhh moments when we would spot the brillant yellows and reds of the leaves in and amongst the trees. Many trees had already lost their leaves and were naked but there were still some shedding. It was a beautiful site. 
Jamie and the girls spent a lot of time outside. It was cool but not cold. It did not get really cold until Thursday night. Friday morning packing the van was really cold! But we were happy as we had seen Paul and spent two days with him. 
Here is the whole family with Kris included on the right at the back! (Actually, Jamie and Paul had already left to spend some alone time in Elizabethtown.) We will try to superimpose them in another picture and I will post it later. It was a happy day. HAPPY THANKSGIVING. I HOPE YOU ENJOYED YOUR DAY AS MUCH AS WE DID!
