Soon!

Gonna get to see this boy soon!  Excited for the weekend!

Classes Start

Hollering out across the miles...

Have a great first day of classes, my Cadet!

May your curiosity to learn continue.  May your brain absorb it all.  May you live your dreams!

Here's to the USCGA Class of 2017!  Proudly standing back to see where these next four years take you!

Midnight Madness Bike Ride

It has been a long time since we've done the Midnight Madness Bike Ride.

Yes.  It starts are midnight.  The locale was new this year.  This was Peanut's first time.

It was still hot out.  We were so spoiled a few weeks ago with a taste of fall weather.  Anyway...

I was bit nervous that I would not be able to do it.  We've been riding since we dropped Pumpkin off in CT.  The Big Guy kept reassuring me that it would be no problem.  He was right.  It was lots of fun.

The guys paid homage to Pumpkin wearing the USCGA tshirts.

 I opted to wear a dry fit support my alma mater.

 Waiting for the ride to start.  It was wild to see all the flashing bike lights.

 We finished strong creating another good memory.

 They had Central Barbecue, our favorite, at the finish.  Wild!  We were eating at 1:30am!  They had Gibson donuts too!  Yum!  Yum!  We got to bed after 3am.  I can't remember the last time I was up that late.  We've been a bit confused today, but all worth it!  Gotta look for another ride.

Jamboree

First high school cross country meet, a jamboree, only a two mile run

Yes.  The heat is back, even at 8am

 He did great as did the team.  Enjoying cross country!

Thought Bubble

Shoulder Boards

Before...

 After...he is hiding in the back...look closely...shoulder boards!

Officially, Cadet Pumpkin!!

First Pic Post Swab Summer

Once Swab Summer was Secured, there was a cookout.  This is the first picture after swab summer that I found of my boy.  Look how hot and tired.  He gave it his all.

There are more pictures forthcoming of Sea Trials.  I haven't talked to him, yet.  But, we've texted.  I got a "good morning, momma" text bright and early this morning - remember we are on Central time!  I did not mind one bit!

LAST DAY!

Today marks the end of Swab Summer!!  Wahoo!

Word on the street has it that they were up at 3:30am est participating in Sea Trials.  (I woke up at 2:30am cst - just to empathize.)  This is a team building, physically demanding culmination of the entire summer.  The Sea Trials continue all day.  When it is over, the summer experience is over.  I am so impressed that Pumpkin stuck it out and am patiently waiting to hear from him.

This picture was taken a couple days ago.  It looks like most of his company is present.  I wonder what sort of pep talk they are getting.  Pumpkin looks good.  Again, I'm patiently waiting to talk to my boy!

So.  Very.  Proud.  Wish we lived closer.  I'd give him a great big hug!  My Swab is going to be a Cadet.  So very soon!  So very soon!

Looking Good on Sunday

The chapel at USCGA.  It looks like Sunday was a beautiful morning

We got a surprise photo from a parent that went to mass at the chapel.  He is looking good - even with his eyes closed. (Can't get rid of the underline - go figure!)  And, I can't center the photos.  I'm out of time and going with the crazy format on this post.  I am cracking up as the final version doesn't have underlines.





He looks pretty comfy standing there eating his morning snack.  Love!

Cross Country Swim Party

Trail Running - just under 10 miles followed by pool party.

The perfect way to get to know the team!

Peanut had a blast!

Eagle Is Home

She is back in her home port and she brought my boy back!

We have not heard from Pumpkin, yet.  I'm carrying my phone with me everywhere I go.  There is no guarantee that he will call.  Thinking optimistically!!

Aldo's

This weekend we went to Aldo's in downtown Memphis.  We've been there once before and thoroughly enjoyed the pizza.  This time we shared garlic knots, house salad, and pizza.

A few months ago, Peanut chastised me for always saying no to dessert before the waitress even tells us about them.  This time, I let her tell us about them.  Peanut perked right up and ordered cheesecake.  The Big Guy and I only got to try a bite.  It was some good stuff!

If we lived closer, I'd be at Aldo's more often.  We were so lucky this trip.  There was a parking spot right on the street.  Could not believe it!

First Day

Peanut is off to high school!

 He is one that can get very nervous.  But, he seemed pretty good this morning.

Yep.  The house is quieter.  But, I've got dinner marinating.  I'm going to head to the grocery and finish the day by working this afternoon.  I hope it doesn't rain for his walk home.  Yep.  He is able to walk to and from school.  Love it!

Night Before Dinner

We got up and went for a family bike ride this morning - still adjusting to a family of three.  We went out a bit later than we've been going.  It was hotter.

We ate a late breakfast and headed to the late mass.

We skipped lunch and had an early dinner.  This was a special dinner, the night before school starts dinner!!  Yes.  Peanut starts school tomorrow.  He starts high school!!!  Anyway, we had skewered shrimp on the grill, cheese grits, broccoli, and whole wheat rolls.  It was divine - just the perfect brain food.  Peanut was able to finish his summer work this evening.

First day picture to come tomorrow...

A Week In Review

Lots of physical training this week for Pumpkin

 He finished up the obstacle course.  Dirty!

 A little fun sailing mixed in.

 Then, there is drill with the rifles filled with lead.

But, it was all worthwhile as Pumpkin boarded the USCG Cutter, Eagle, in Portsmouth.  We got to talk to him.  He doesn't sound nearly as hoarse.  He ended up having liberty all day today.  A group went to Starbuck's, walked around, lunch, movie, dinner, walked some more and got ice cream.  All in all, they are loving life.  So very proud of this boy!  We smiled all day.  Every time my phone beeped with Pumpkn's text tone, it warmed my heart.

I cannot wait to see what it is like sleeping in this berth.  They are tight quarters.  He told the Big Guy that he'd already hit his head in there.