Mike's family made the journey to the Pacific Northwest this weekend for Mike's deployment ceremony and, more importantly, quality family time. Thursday morning was the ceremony, and we were lucky enough to have some sunshine during the event (although fall has certainly arrived in Tacoma). My husband joined about 3,000 other soldiers on the parade field at Fort Lewis for the farewell ceremony. Although this is not our first deployment, this was my first deployment ceremony. Seeing the huge number of soldiers on the field served as a reminder that I am not the only one experiencing the deployment of a loved one. It, however, did very little to prepare me for the nine months ahead. I am very proud of my husband and the soldiers who serve alongside him. I especially look forward to welcoming him home at the end of next summer.
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| Alex, Jenelle, Mike (Buckley), me, Rosemary, Doug |
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| Christmas Card :) |
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| Mike Marching |
There is no doubt that the highlight of the weekend was time spent with family. We ate, we played, and we certainly laughed. Mike made some efforts to entertain Alex; a trip to the go-cart course, a night playing games at an arcade, and a tour of the chocolate factory. Sitting around the table eating or around the coffee table playing games proved to be my favorite moments of all.
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| Dinner is Served |
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| Fremont, Lenin Statue |
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| Siblings |
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| Theo Tour (again) |
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| Video Games and Beer |
I'll leave you with my favorite picture of the weekend...
