Welcome to the Midwest!

Welcome to the Midwest Mom!

Yep, we live here. Next to all the corn fields.

Luckily, Chicago isn't too far away. There are a lot of fun things to do in Chicago.

In one afternoon we can shop... and shop... and shop on the Magnificent Mile.

And when we get hungry, we can stop for deep dish pizza.

We can have a wonderful girly day.

Pizza is good. Chicago is fun. Moms are the best!

Graduation at USAFA!

Graduation at the Air Force Academy is as exciting as reading the names of 1,000 people can be. With a parade, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as key speaker, an awesome hat toss, and an air show by the Thunderbirds it's pretty fun. Graduation is a great celebration for the men and women who have worked so hard at the Academy for four years and chosen to serve our country as officers in the Air Force.

(I love Steve's hat!)

After hearing from Admiral Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the graduating class was presented with their diplomas and a special coin.

This is Si meeting the Admiral and accepting his coin.

Congratulations Si! We are so proud of you!

We had a wonderful time! Thanks for letting us be a part of it!

Luke says this was one of the best moments of his life... It's a moment we hope you always remember. You earned it.

Two Butter Bars

Luke's brother, Si, graduated from the Air Force Academy on May 27th. Luke and I got to return to the Air Force Academy (a place close to our hearts) to celebrate Si's commissioning and graduation.

The Air Force Academy is the service academy for the Air Force (like West Point is the service academy for the Army). Those who are accepted to the Air Force Academy are commissioned officers in the Air Force when they graduate.

Si's commissioning took place the night before graduation in a glider hanger. So, after attending parades, receptions, and a fancy cocktail party we met Si's squadron in the glider hanger for their commissioning ceremony.
Luke was able to commission Si a second Lieutenant.

Si asked his parents to switch out his shoulder boards.





They were so proud.



It was such a wonderful night! We are all so proud of Si. He will make a wonderful officer in the Air Force!

Now there are two butter bars in the family!

P.S. Doesn't Luke look handsome in his uniform?