2-135 Formal Dinner.

This will probably be a bit of a slacker post, but I'm obviously behind. Trevor's unit's formal dinner was weeks ago. It was great to see friends from the unit and deployment, both those who were deployed and those who stayed home. We got to celebrate a good friend's last drill weekend before getting out of the Guard. And, I'll admit, it was a little bittersweet for us both since Trevor will be transferring to a completely different unit come October. Like I've mentioned, these people (soldiers and their loved ones) have become like family. I know they're not actually going anywhere but it will still be different.

We got ready at the hotel, went to a restaurant for drinks, then headed to the dinner. We got a professional photo taken, ate and talked with lots of people and listened to a few speeches from the leadership. Then it was time for more socializing and eventually the scenic route walk to the Legion. We got a little mixed up and ended up walking much more than we needed to, which was even sillier since I could have just driven us the whole time. It was a great night with great people. We were all exhausted, some hung over, for our second day of reintegration workshops the next day!

Here are a few photos from the evening. I'll add more when I get them from friends. My prego brain forgot to put the memory card in the camera.

 Cory's last drill.  At least it was a good way to go out!



30 (or 78) day.

When soldiers return from a deployment, they are to have 90 days off drilling (and work if they choose to take it).  In Minnesota (and other states now, too), they get that 90 days off typical drill, but it's replaced with reintegration workshop day type drills.  We all refer to them as the 30-60-90 because they're intended to take place 30-days, 60-days and 90-days post homecoming.  Due to timing, venue availability and other factors, our 30 day was this past Saturday...at the 78 day mark.  I don't think any of the soldiers complained since it just meant a much longer break until putting that uniform on again.  And for the men "putting that uniform on" includes shaving and getting a haircut, too.  Soldiers are required to attend all of these and family members are encouraged to attend the 30 and 60 day events.  Often times soldiers and family members complain about going, but I really do think it's beneficial.  Last reintegration didn't go so well and it was good to have heard all the information.  It helped me realize I wasn't crazy, this was common and have some tools to help us along.  This time, even though things have been going very well, I was still looking forward to it.  It's always good information, for now or in the future, for ourselves or for a friend who may need it.  Besides all that, it's fun to catch up with everyone-the soldiers with whom Trevor deployed (well, his battalion), the friendships that got us both through the last year+.

The day went like this.  We got up as if it were a work/school day and headed to the Civic Center in Rochester.  Everyone was together for the opening session in the auditorium for some housekeeping announcements and the first two sessions, suicide prevention and resilience or "hunt the good stuff."  Suicide prevention is a very important one and, no matter how many times we've all already heard it, is worth repeating.  Some may disagree, but I think it's important.  Maybe it isn't a concern for me specifically, but I know someone who needs the information.  And maybe I didn't know that person the last time I heard this presentation, or maybe they didn't need it then.  The point is, you never know who will need to hear this stuff or when, so pay attention and take it seriously.  The second general session was about resilience, specifically optimism, and showing us how to find the good stuff, no matter how small, in life.

Throughout the rest of the day we had to go to "Provider Alley," where many resources/providers had booths as well as attend three break out sessions.  We chose post deployment pay and benefits, stress management and stretching your dollar/money management.  To be honest, I was more impressed with the sessions offered at the 30 day after Trevor's Kosovo deployment.  The speakers on Saturday were good, I just didn't feel like there were as many relevant choices for us this time.  There was a lot of focus on job search/employment which is great because that's a big issue, just not for us.

After the long day, Trevor and I were excited to have a nice quiet dinner planned with my dad.  The shrimp truck was in town again so my dad made jambalaya and got some sweet corn.  I'm not actually a fan of jambalaya, so I enjoyed some plain boiled shrimp and plenty of corn on the cob instead.  The men had fun picking hot sauces to try.  More and more I'm realizing I married my father, but he's a pretty cool dude so I think we'll still call it a win!

-A

Slacker.

Wow.  I've totally been slacking with the blog the last few weeks!  I think regular life is starting to catch up with us, which is good, but I need to find a time to sit down and document it.  To be honest, this blog is a fun way to let others know what we're up to, but the real point is to journal all the fun things we do for ourselves.  I want to be able to look back and see all the fun things we've done and re-read the stories behind our photos.  But, in order to do that, I need to stay on top of writing these posts.

Now, let's play catch up.  Since our awesome salmon dinner we've been busy!  Adam invited us for delicious food and drinks for his sister's graduation party.  Georgia invited us to her birthday party, water balloon fight and all.  Trevor has been playing softball every Monday night and doing quite well.  He also just finished his first summer session class, enjoyed it for the most part-should be getting a good grade, too.  Trevor and Tyson went to the Air Show in Mankato-it was hot and windy, but they both thoroughly enjoyed it.  On Father's Day Trevor went golfing with his dad, my dad, Dustin and Carson.  Then I went to visit my Grandpa with my dad and we stopped at Minnehaha Falls and Sea Salt.  Last week I went to the Big Brothers Big Sisters summer picnic with my Little, Alea.  We had walking tacos (one of my favorites), did some crafts and played some games.  And, finally, this past weekend Trevor and I went to visit my aunt/uncle/cousins in Wisconsin.  They're a really fun bunch and well worth the four hour drive.  We went to the Henry Vilas Zoo then to their friend's house for an afternoon party.  We went to a local pizza place for supper then played the Would You Rather board game.  Rowdy got to have a fun, long weekend with Candace and friends at his doggie daycare, everyone wins!

Hopefully I didn't miss anything.  It's been a busy month!  Each of those things probably deserves its own post, some photos at least, but it was just time to get caught up.  As for post-deployment reintegration, we're both relived that, so far, things are going great!  After our big, scary post a few months back, I think it's safe to say we learned some valuable lessons last time.  It's been an adjustment, yes, but we've been doing really well communicating everything.  And, I must say, the hubs has really stepped it up.  I'm not blaming him for how things went last time, not one bit, but he's been pretty impressive working hard around the house and with school all while adjusting to real life again.  Life is good and we are blessed.  Our weekends aren't looking too bad this summer (at least not compared to the usual) so we hope to enjoy time together and with our loved ones.  More soon-I promise!

-A

Weekend of Celebrations.

Wow!  What a busy weekend!

I suppose the weekend started Thursday-Trevor and I went up to Jon and Moe's for their groom's dinner.  Trevor hadn't seen anyone from that group of friends yet, so the timing worked out well.  We had a good time and got to visit with lots of friends and stuff our bellies with some delicious food.  Trevor spent the night because he and Jon had an early tee time Friday morning to get 9 holes in before Jon had to get his wedding on.

After golf, I picked Trevor up and we ran some errands, grabbed lunch and went to our hotel to get ready.

 Best Man & Maid of Honor.

  It's go time!

 Blurry, but cute :)

 Time to party!

After the ceremony, we went to the Varsity for the reception.  

  
It was a very cool venue, they had an awesome band and delicious food, not to mention a great assortment of hosted beverages.  We grabbed a small booth with John and Mari and waited for the festivities to begin.

 A smooch after persistent glass clanking.

Father of the Bride speech.

Best Man speech.

Maid of Honor speech that made all us ladies get teary-eyed.

Bathroom break group photo.

 The Newlyweds!

Quite the set up.

Not only do these guys throw a good party, they're known for their Rockband abilities.  So, naturally, they got up on stage to perform.

Awesome people, awesome celebration. Congrats, you two!

*******

Saturday morning we woke up and headed back home to get ready for our own big bash-the welcome home party!  We had done most of the cleaning already, but hadn't gotten to grocery shopping, getting the keg, or any set up with all our running around.  As soon as we got to town it was time to get to work!  Luckily no one showed up right on time, so we had an extra hour or so to get the food ready.  We had a great turn out of friends and family-and many people brought treats to share, too!  The weather was great and the people just kept coming, we couldn't have asked for a better day!  The party didn't end until about 4am.  Needless to say, we were all pretty worthless on Sunday, and I was pretty glad I had taken today off work.

Rhya and Danny hadn't seen Trevor until the party.

Ping pong was the game of the day.

Guess which one of us just got back from Mexico...

Ashley made friends with Elliot-he's usually fairly shy.

 We had a bubble party.

Logan was a ping pong rock star.

Layne kept finding Alan.

Nick doesn't mess around with his hugs.

Many years ago, Trevor started the tradition of sharing a very special beer with friends when he and/or they returned from a deployment.  Mike, Brian and Michelle deployed with him this time so they all shared it.  Michelle was a trooper since she doesn't like beer and this was some strong stuff.  PS-my BFF and husband are not allowed to deploy together anymore.  Not cool.

And.... we weren't expecting this, but a few people even brought gifts!

Rhya wrapped their gift with the ribbon she had around her tree.

Pretty cool, huh?  It has John 15:13 on it: Greater love hath no math than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Speaking of pretty cool...my dad had our newspaper photo framed.

I wish I had more pictures, but we were too busy mingling and having fun, so this will have to be enough!  A big thank you to everyone who came to party and to those of you who brought goodies to share.  We have been so blessed to have such awesome friends and family in our lives and we look forward to seeing you all much more over the summer!

-A