My Handsome Soldier!

For all of you that don't recognize him, this is Adrian! He has now graduated from basic training and when I first saw him almost didn't know who he was! He is very skinny now but very handsome!

These next few pictures were taken on family day and then there are pictures after of the actual graduation.

Below is just him and I getting a picture together! Ashley said something right before taking it so we were kind of laughing at the same time! Kevin is in the background and if you look you can see his gum.


Adrian bought Ashley a late birthday gift of the newest Sims game, she is in to that kind of thing now. She was excited to get it and so I insisted that I get a picture of them together when he gave it to her!
My two wonderful kids! So cute!


Adrian had money burning a hole in his pocket and insisted that we go to the PX (I think that was what it was called) so that he could spend it! He had a laptop on his mind! Since we didn't know anything about them or what kind of things to look for, I called dad and so this is him talking to dad about the computer that was in front of him. It ended up being the one he chose! He also got a case for his laptop and a cordless mouse. He also found himself several games for his computer as well as his PSP, he was excited! We walked around for a long time and then he insisted on buying me some movies. I told him it was not necessary but he insisted on spending $100.00 for me for movies!. He said it is because he is cool like that! When he first said how much he wanted to spend on them he said a Benjamin. I don't actually see cash money so I had to ask what that was! Ashley and Adrian both got a good laugh from that!

There was a game area! Adrian enjoyed his time! I guess they taught him well with the gun!


Below is a picture of him in front of his locker! He is being his normal Adrian self! I love that kid!


He is showing his bed. His is the top bunk. He said that he found himself out of bed and standing at attention while he was sleeping. He wasn't sure how he made it without falling on his face but I guess he is just that good!


Here he is setting his new computer up. He was not expecting his picture taken nor was I expecting him to look up! Even with the look on his face he is still a good looking young man!

Graduation Day!! We arrived at 7am to get good seats and the actual graduation was set for 9am. e still didn't get the best seats as there was already several people that got there ahead of us. Below is a picture of the soldiers arriving at the end of the field. Adrian's group was one of the first to arrive so he is in this group somewhere!


This is his group walking down the field. It was a very long walk and I have to say I am very glad that I was not the one walking it. My camera was zoomed in as far as it could go and they still look far away!!


This is Adrian's Company. He is company B, 4 platoons in each company. He is the second platoon. Can anyone tell which one he is?? Me neither and I was there! The company next to him (company c) had a few of the soldiers and one of the commanders pass out from the heat. It was a very hot day with a lot of humidity. I am surprised that more of them did not pass out. They did have a death from the heat the day before. One of the soldiers was on the final march and had to be taken to the hospital where he later passed away. That is scary as it could have just as easily happened to Adrian.


Below is the walk by at the end of the graduation ceremony. Adrian is closest to us looking forward. He is the one in front of the black soldier. He is hard to recognize even knowing that was him!


After graduation he was allowed to leave the base so we went back to the room that we were staying in. He decided to take off the jacket part of his uniform and as you can see, it is not just his face that has lost weight!

We stayed at the room the rest of the day until it was time to take him back. He chose to eat Papa John's pizza for lunch and as soon as he was finished he took a nap! Ashley and Kevin all took naps as well! I tried but without much luck.

We dropped him back off at the base before 8pm and said our goodbyes. We won't get to see him again for 8 weeks. He has his training and then will get a leave to come home for 3 weeks. Fortunately he will be here when Rebecca is born so I am looking forward to that, he is also!

This is a picture of him and Ashley. Adrian and myself had begun or tearing up before the pictures started. We are babies but I love that he is not afraid to show emotion and it is nice to know that he will be just as sad as myself to not see us.

Then there is him and Kevin. Kevin had no emotions what so ever on this. I am sure that you can see by his expression.


Then there is Adrian and myself. As you can see we were smiling but there was tears. We cried for a little bit after this and as far as myself goes, I cried all the way back to the room and for a little bit after that. I miss him so much and can't wait to see him in 8 weeks. I very proud of him. Oh and by the way, he was promoted to an E2 just before graduation. He was on crutches for a couple of weeks but was still able to pass all of his physical tests and in most cases did better than those that were in good health.

Congratulations Baby Boy! You are a wonderful son and I am very proud of you for all that you are!