Warren's Adventures and Homecoming!! :)

http://youtu.be/JYuG1C_CFqM

Hull Family Reunion at Bear Lake

After our trip to see Warren, we were privileged to attend the Hull family reunion. It was so nice to have something to keep us distracted from leaving Warren again for 2 more months. The kids loved playing with their cousins. Laurel did a fabulous job with the activities, and Jeff and Cyndie were such troopers in getting the menu for meals together and for doing all the shopping, and hauling "stuff" up there. I was extremely grateful for all the help I had from my in-laws with my kids. I really felt I could enjoy the time there.

 Jacob is such a ham. Love that kid!

 The grandkids enjoyed the pinata!

 The KOA we stayed at had a jumping pillow. Power hour was free so we decided to go and enjoy for a little bit.

 Also at the KOA, the kids had fun riding on the train they drove around the camp.

 Oops, this isn't the reunion. This is after. I visited the zoo with my Mom and 11 of her grandkids.

 Ryan Gillen (cousin) was such a sport. Jacob really took to him during the reunion and wanted him to help him with everything. :)

 One of the crafts we enjoyed was decorating hats. Caleb is very focused on this, can you tell? :)

 Jacob is "walking" our dog 'Moco'.

 Cousin Spencer Hull and Caleb just chillin in front of our cabin.

 Jacob and Hannah posing for the shot of inside the cabin. They were pretty nice. My only complaint was the hard mattress we slept on. I was fine, until I sunburned my shoulders. Then it hurt. :)

 Another, not bear lake photo. :) Nathan is sitting in his new high chair.

 A quick photo of our little family (minus Daddy) before we left for home.

And the Hull crew. Missing was the Penrod family, Kirk (deployed) and Warren (Air Force Tech School).

Our Trip to San Antonio

 We are waiting for the "Airman's Run". This is the first time we got to see Warren in person, but couldn't talk to him yet. Before the "Coin" Ceremony, we waited on the bleachers and the Honor Graduates were lined up behind us. I was looking for a spot to change Nathan's diaper and happened to walk in front of them. Warren spotted us before we saw him. 

 So all the trainees are issued the same glasses while at BMT. The trainees call them BCG's (birth control glasses). ;) When Caleb saw Warren, his comment was, "that's Dad? He looks ridiculous". I had to laugh. But it was SO fun to see him.

 Warren was awarded the title "honor grad". It is a huge deal. Only the top 10% receive this. There were 700 some graduates, and only 60 some received this. I was very proud to say the least. Not surprised, just happy for him. He really wanted this, but didn't think it would happen.

 I told my kids that I get the first hug. Isn't that so selfish of me. :)

 Nathan is not in this picture, because I didn't want to fight the crowds to get to Warren with him. So he was with Grandpa in the bleachers waiting to see Daddy when we made our way back there.

 During the Parade on Friday. Warren was an element leader, so it was very easy to find him. He was always in the front. :)

 On the bus to go visit Daddy's living quarters.

 We ate lunch at a Brazilian restaurant by the Riverwalk. They served Warren a complimentary dessert for his BMT completion. It was actually REALLY good. I like cheesecake, but this has to be the best cheesecake I have had. :)

 We took the boat ride on the Riverwalk. They had great discounts for the BMT graduates. It was really pretty. Jacob couldn't get enough of his Dad this weekend. He was attached to Warren somehow the whole time we were there. :)

 We "Remembered the Alamo" while in San Antonio. Wished we had longer, but poor Caleb got too dehydrated and sick. So we needed to get back to our cool hotel room.

This was our final family picture before we had to say our good-bye's again. It was hard to go our separate ways, but I had peace knowing I could talk to him a whole lot more.

James and Ruth Smith Family Reunion (my grandparents)

This had such a great turn out. Of 126 members in this immediate family, I believe they said 105 were in attendance. It was spent getting to know our history, we enjoyed a carnival, water fun, 5k, 100 yard dash for the "Great" Grandkids, and ended with a fantastic Luau where we all got to learn a little dance. :) Caleb finished first place in the Great Grandkids 100 yard dash, and Jacob endured to the end coming in last. :) I managed to get through the 5k (don't ask me what my time was, I made it, that's all that matters. :)) We had such a fun time!

 Aren't they cute? Grandpa turns 90 in August! And Grandma is only a year behind, I think.

 Here's the whole crowd!

The Unlces all did a dance, and here's my Dad all "gussied" up and ready to go. :)

Lagoon and More!

 Trying to capture a smile on Nathan to send to Warren.

 This "big" brother loves his "little" brother. Caleb is such a great help! His confidence in holding Nathan has greatly increased.

 Having a "movie" night at home! I think we watched Gnomeo and Juliet.

Before the big "Smith" reunion, we spent a day at Lagoon. It was loads of fun, and the kids were bummed when it was time to go.

Crashed at the hotel, after our Lagoon day.

Jacob's Potty chart and more!

Jacob surprised me and actually started potty training. With Warren gone, I knew this was going to be an impossible task, but true to himself, he decided he could do it, so he did! We are working towards a new bicycle. :)

 Nathan is all dressed up and ready for church!

 This picture was for Warren. Caleb wanted to take one with "Daddy's smile" and send it to him. So here we are!

 I have succeeded in taking the kids out one on one since Warren left. This was after going to the movie with Jacob. We had such a great time together.

 It was a hot day, but oh so fun at Roaring Springs. The Rapp family came with us and Caleb invited his cousin, Coleman. We had a fabulous time!

Boise Zoo!