My son (left) and one of his friends (from boot, combat training, and now his current school) arrived at Disneyworld late Friday night. So late, that it was actually Saturday morning. We took them back home for a short visit. But short is better than nothing, and we were thrilled to have some time with them. I hadn't seen Tyler since Christmas Day in North Carolina and DH hadn't seen him since his boot leave over Thanksgiving.
Saturday we hung out at home for a little while and then Tyler took us all out to lunch. Saturday night, the Marines donned their dress blues to head out on the town. Yes, it was all planned for attention-getting and free drinks. They reported that it worked and they had zero out-of-pocket expenses. ;-) But I think they've earned a few free drinks, and it makes me happy to see how happy and proud they are about their new lives. And don't they look gorgeous!! Reko was tempted to wear his Ren Faire duds to out-fancy them, but he went with jeans and a tee shirt instead.
Sunday, they slept in a bit and were then driven back to Disney by Tyler's former girlfriend, Kelli, who is now just a good friend. DH and I met up with the three of them again after Magic Kingdom closed, for a late dinner at Planet Hollywood. We dropped the Marines off at their hotel and said our goodbyes around 2 AM. (Kudos to Planet Hollywood for offering a military discount, which saved us over $25 on the bill!)
On March 1, Tyler heads back to North Carolina for his next training school at the Marine base at Cherry Point. He will be there for a 2-3 months, depending on exactly when he picks up his next class. There's always a waiting list for training classes. In the meantime, the Corps will keep him busy doing something or other. Once that class is almost over, he will be assigned a Permanent Duty Station (PDS) and we'll finally know where he'll be stationed.
You must be very proud indeed.
ReplyDeleteI love reading about your "Marine". Frankly it brings back memories as I was in the Army myself. Your son is making friends and bonds for life. He doesn't know how lucky he is.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic picture! I'm so glad you all got to see each other. We'll all be waiting to hear where he ends up.
ReplyDeleteThese surprise weekend visits must be the highlight of your month these days. Reko might have dazzled, but the marines would have gotten the free drinks anyway.
ReplyDeleteSemper fidelis. K
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful visit - such handsome men.
ReplyDeleteHandsome, oh my!
ReplyDeleteHow nice!They look so young and proud.
ReplyDeleteDoin' the uniform proud!
ReplyDeleteBrings back so many memories for me. Proud comes to mind the most.
ReplyDeletePlease give your son and military friends my best wishes and thanks for their service. My son was an Army Ranger, now out of the service safely (Thank God). My prayers remain with all the men and women serving and those who love them back at home!
ReplyDeleteYour son looks so handsome in his dress blues. I am so happy you were able to spend some time with him. Please tell him, thank you for serving our country.
ReplyDeleteOMG - men in uniforms...and marines in their dress blues - wow! They so good looking! I'll just bet they got a free ride, and deserved every second of it! What handsome men!
ReplyDeleteSo good to see their pride in service.. it shines through in the pic. Our thanks to them! Glad you all had an enjoyable time.
ReplyDeleteWhat handsome and impressive guys! I'm glad that their service is recognized with free drinks and discounts. I'm also glad that you were able to spend some time with them.
ReplyDeleteIs there anything more handsome than a man in Dress blues? I don't think so.
ReplyDeleteGreat looking guy, is it me or is he looking sooo much older? Lovely you got in an extra visit.
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