What a month. Ill start with Peter's graduation from Basic Training......
Pete's dad, sister, me and Charlie left for Missouri on a Tuesday morning. The trip our there was as smooth as could be. Charlie was an Angel. We got to our hotel at Ft. Lenordwood around 8. We were greeted in the lobby of the hotel with a 4 ft Santa that would sing and dance every-time you walked by, obviously the owner of the hotel was a big Christmas buff because it was little early for christmas decor, but it did help add to our excitement. The next day we decided to go on base and see where Pete had been living for the past 10 weeks. It was almost torture knowing he was somewhere close by, but not being able to see him. I kept hoping we would see him in formation. We went to the PX and did a little shopping the headed back to the hotel. Ate dinner at Ft. Leanordwood version of out back. I really had a hard time containing my excitement. It felt like Christmas eve and i couldnt wait to go to bed so i could wake up and see my love. The morning of the graduation we got up early and ate breakfast. The hotel was filled with families of soldier graduating and you could feel everyones anticipation. We arrived early to the graduation, and good thing too...the place was packed! We got great seats. When the graduation started one of the drill sergeant got on stage and "called" the company. All of a sudden we heard the stomp of 200 feet.....and then they started marching out. I was frantically looking for Pete. When we finally saw him, I was so excited that I got bashful....BASHFUL of my husband! Such an amazing feeling. He looked so handsome and so accomplished. The ceremony was amazing. After it was over the company marched back to the reception hall where we could meet him. We followed the company there, listening to there credence chants. When it was time to go in a meet him, I couldnt get there fast enough. I saw him and just threw my arms around him...felt amazing. I was so proud. We spent the day in the hotel room, visiting with Pete. Listening to all of his new awesome stories. He took like 3 baths...poor guy deserved it! The day went by way to fast. Next thing we new it was time to say goodbye again. It was just as hard as it was 10 week earlier. Pete had his phone now , and as soon as we got back from dropping him off i started getting his ever loved text's and calls. We were technologically connected again...so wonderful.
Pete arrived at Ft. Eustis VA for his AIT the next day. The second day he was there he found our that he would be getting a pass to come home for Thanksgiving! What an amazing gift! We decided not to tell his family and surprise them Thanksgiving day! The were shocked...the video to prove it below! Having him here for 2 days was short but glorious. He was able to be here for Charlie's 1st birthday party! What greater gift could I ask for, then to have my husband by my side for our daughters first birthday?
Her birthday was great. Lots of friends, cake, and presents. Bittersweet for mommy though. I cant belive my baby is one. Peter took the redeye back to VA that night. He is coming home for 2 weeks on the 19th. It will be so wonderful. Really it will be the last time we have that much time together for a while. For all we know he could be deploy soon after graduating AIT. We have no idea. The day after Pete gets here, we have gotten a hotel room on the beach. Our first night away from baby in a year. Very excited for the break...mommy needs it.
The moment we saw Pete at Graduation.
Pete dancing with Charlie just before he went back to the base from the hotel.
Surprising the Kerr's with Pete on Thanksgiving!
