Two Wonderful Days in San Diego

We just returned yesterday from spending two wonderful days with some of our family in San Diego.

Of course the reason for us going there was to support Tyler, Alan's son, in his Graduation from his Marine Corps basic training.

At the Bay View Cafe on Family Day

We spent the afternoon of Thursday, the 10th, at the depot with Tyler and his family.  That day he was released to his parents from 1300 to 1700 hours but he had to stay on base, which he had not left for 13 weeks.  The only time they left is when they were bussed to Pendleton for some of their obstacle course and combat training.  Going and coming from Pendleton it was "eyes down" for the whole way.  They weren't even allowed to look outside the bus windows!  So it was fun to mingle with someone other than the 3 DIs and other members of his platoon.

We enjoyed a buffet lunch with him at the Bay View Cafe on base (where the picture above was taken), and then shopped the Exchange and special booths they had set up.  We also enjoyed visiting the awesome museum they they have there on base. Generally we just visited with Tyler about his experience.
On Friday morning was the formal graduation ceremony.  It was quite impressive and very much infused with patriotism.  We had quite a few experiences during the ceremony that really brought the tingles.  What an honor it is to have a grandson willing to volunteer to help in the defense of his/our country.

At the Museum on Graduation Day, with Tyler in his "blues".

The weather there was gorgeous and it was kind of an "at home" feeling for Lois and I since we had visited with Janeil and Eldon when they were there for their mission.

Alans family of course was there, except for Kaiden who had pressing issues at school and couldn't make it, Stuart and JoAnn drove over from Phoenix to be there for Friday morning and other activities that day.  Alisa and Alex flew down from Boise and were there for both days.  And Natalie's Dad and Mom were there as well from Logan.  So it was a nice little mini reunion.

We were happy to have the experience but I was impressed by what Helmut, Natalie's Dad, said as we went into the museum.  "Isn't it too bad that the world can't learn to live in peace."  I agreed and reflected, in my mind, if that were true then so many our finest youth wouldn't have to give their all for their country.

This is Tyler's platoon, one of 6 at graduation. as they were marching in on Family Day

Tyler in the back in the "beautiful" GI Glasses.  He normally wears contacts but they won't let them wear them and anyone with contacts or glasses has to wear the same ones issued by the Marines.  (Just in Boot Camp)

Hobnobbing with little brother Jace.

With Mom and Dad on Family Day

Tyler in the back behind the head DI for his platoon.  Just to the right of the archway.

Tyler will be on leave now for 10 days, report back to MCRD San Diego for a couple of weeks of more advanced training and then will be going to somewhere in Missouri.

WE ARE SO VERY PROUD OF TYLER AND HAPPY THAT WE WERE ABLE TO SHARE IN THE EXPERIENCE THERE.