Road Trip

The kids and I just returned from a 2100 mile round-trip road trip. We journeyed out from Michigan to Rhode Island to witness their dad graduate as a Naval officer. The trip there was full of excitement and anticipation, and the kids behaved so well. My mom and Rob's mom came out with us--I doubt I would have been able to do this without them--and we drove Rob's jeep to him so that he would have transportation during the next section of his training. So we divided the kids between the two vehicles to ward off conflicts. It worked. On the way home, all seven of us were crammed in the van, and there wasn't a lot of fighting, but OH, THE NOISE. It was quite the challenge to drive through NY City and then down the New Jersey Turnpike with squeally Lily and yelling Seth and giggly Gabe. Caleb was the quietest one...unless he was sitting by Lily, who engaged him in her loud and physical play.

But other than the noise, the kids did great.

Oh, the joy of that very first glimpse of Rob dressed in his summer whites. Hubba hubba. Caleb and Gabe tried to leap out of the moving van. Lily and Seth screamed and laughed. My heart was full and my smile was large.



The first words out of Seth's mouth: "Dad! You're a captain!" (Not quite...) Later he told me, "Daddy wears a pilot's costume!" Seth and Lily clung to Rob the whole time. Seth especially couldn't stop touching him. Lily said, "Can we please bring Daddy and his red jeeper home with us? Pleeeeeeeease?"

We had the best time with him. His graduation was as full of pomp and promenade as you can imagine there would be in a Naval ceremony.

Our time together sped by, and too quickly we had to say good-bye.

Seven more weeks...six and a half now...and we'll be a family together and not apart.

We're so proud of him and the sacrifice he is making to answer God's call.







The sadness of departing Rhode Island (a gorgeous, highly under-recognized destination) mixed with excitement about our next stop: historical Philadelphia.

WE LOVED IT! Standing in the same room that held so many American Greats gave me goose bumps. Being so close to the bell that rang out its announcement of FREEDOM! swelled my heart with thankfulness to the God who gives true freedom and the people who have sacrificed so much so that my children can live in a free country. In the midst of economic unknowns and election-year divisions, still I must stand up and say, "God bless America, land that I love!"





Comments

jeny said…
Wow! what a great trip. And Rob looks so good in that white uniform. The navy was always my favorite, well next to the marines, for their dress uniform.
It just gave me goosebumps to see these pictures . . . you're a navy chaplain's wife!!! Wow!
October 10, 2008 at 6:29 AM
horner1969 said…
Wow. Rob looks great. I can't remember when I have seen him so thin. Wasn't sure it was him. Of course, I am partial to the Air Force and their dress Blues. Thinking of the kids and Rob seeing each other made me cry, as well as, your writing. You have such an amazing way to word things. Miss you all bunches, give the kids hugs from Aunt Tace.
October 10, 2008 at 7:24 PM
Jenny said…
I'm so glad you and the kids were able to reunite with Rob. You must be very proud of him! I agree you have a wonderful way with words.

How are you healing from the procedure last month? I love the picture with you and the crew. So cute!
October 11, 2008 at 7:07 PM
TheDana said…
Rob looks great in uniform! You must be so proud of him. I'm glad you were able to go to the graduation ceremonies and do a little traveling. And I'm especially glad the kids were good travelers! That is always a blessing :D We miss you guys. Hope to see you all soon!
October 12, 2008 at 7:47 AM
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