The BIG Day- Rider's Winging

June 4, 2010 is the day Rider received his 'wings of gold' to become a naval aviator in the United States Marine Corps.  As the person who has put up with him and his training, Rider honored me by asking to be the first to pin his wings on him.  I am a very proud wife!  It was kind of embarrassing because we all walked on stage for me to do the honor.  I was scared out of my mind!  It was difficult, however, I executed perfectly!  The festivities started with a Catholic Mass, then a non-denominational Blessing of the Wings, followed by a reception and then later, a winging party held each time a new class of aviators are winged (every 2 weeks).

Rider's Soft Patch Ceremony

June 3, 2010 Rider received his soft patch for his flight suit.  It's pretty snazzy with those 'wings of gold'.  We all couldn't be more proud.  The soft patch ceremony was pretty informal.  Each 'winger' choose an individual, such as an instructor, who has helped them along the way.  The 'winger' repays the instructor with their choice of liquor, or in Rider's case a very nice liquor and a case of Lone Star beer from the Lone Star State!  Those giving the soft patches also share stories, mostly made up of false experiences or embellishments.  Most were hilarious and too crude for me to type!  It was a a great, however long (24 wingers!), gathering.

Earlier in the day, Rider showed everyone the helicopter that he has been training in, the Bell Ranger.  It's a four seater- and that's about that.

 














Here's my attempt at sitting in the pilot seat.  I think I look pretty good, however, I will leave the complicated flying stuff to Rider and his buddies.  Look at all of those gauges and instruments! I am so glad there are people in this world who can keep all that straight! 

 
 

This day would not be complete without giving a 'shout out' to both of our families whose unending support helped Rider and I get to where we are.

Games with Sully

Until, Rider and I have children, I will continue to blog about my amazing dog, Sully.  Sully has really stepped it up in Howdy's absence.  He cracks me up everyday with a new game, look or sound.  My absolute favorite is that he makes this noise while he has a bone or toy in his mouth- it's a growl, not a mean growl.  It sounds like Tim Allen from Home Improvement- it is hilarious!  It makes my mornings and makes me want to hurry and get home so I can hear that growl and see his nub of a tail, shake- and I mean shake, shake, shaken' it!  

Our newest game is where I put my finger on his nose and and he tries to catch it- it's cheap entertainment for the both of us.  In the event he is faster, the game is definitely over, but usually, I win :-)  Have I mentioned, he also likes to watch TV?  Animal Planet is his favorite, he will sit in front of the tv and stare in amazement- it's great!

Here's my little (not so little anymore) monster on the way home from being rescued in Oklahoma.  Yes, that is the center console of my parent's car.  He couldn't lay there now, if his life depended on it.

Sully in the Snow

 
Wow, Sully in the snow- that was sight!  He didn't know what to do.  He was more interested in watching other people play in the snow, though.  But once we got started, he couldn't stop- he was soaking wet. But we sure did have fun!

 

 I happened to catch a shot of the cute spots on his nose- he has one on the other side, too.  Sully is a pretty good companion.  Howdy would be proud.  

Is he giving me a sweet look? I think so :-)

 

There's the other spot ;-) When it was all said and done, and Sully was dry, and me too, it was time for some relaxation, cuddling and hot chocolate for me.  However, he didn't quite cuddle as well, because he was super charged after being in the snow.  He acted like he had just had a bath, kicking his legs like a calf and everything- it was a sight to see.  But after all that excitement, he finally calmed down long enough to pose for a picture.  

Isn't he cute?

Snow in Aggieland!

Oh my gosh, it is snowing in Aggieland!  Can you believe it?!  And this is not the first time, either.  It's already snowed this year and last year!  I can't wait to be able to go home and play with Sully in the snow.  He won't know what to do!  Sully will running around like a wild man!  I bet he will try and chase the snowflakes and then try and eat them- that's one of his favorite things to do with bugs outside- it is hilarious!  I wish Howdy were here to see the snow again, even though, I don't think she would like it too much.  She would want to be curled up with me under a blanket in our big chair.  I am sad though because everyone is getting to leave school early, except for us- boo! Ok- so here I am in the snow.  Our awesome student workers, Lauren and Elizabeth, took my picture to mark the momentous occasion!  And I took a video, moments like this in Texas are few and far between!

 

Here is Avery and I in the snow back in 2008! 

 

Here is me and Howdy in the snow back in 2008.  She wasn't too happy with me, hence, her trying to not look at the camera.  Like I said, she would prefer a warm blanket and the big comfy chair.  Or curled up next to me in bed. She didn't like to get wet, either.  But she did her best to be a good example for Sully.  Because that was his very first snow!

Howdy!

Howdy and Welcome to our blog!  Rider and I have lived a few places and met so many fun people along the way.  It is so difficult to keep up with everyone and everyone is scattered across the nation, so I thought this would be a great way to stay connected.  And a lot of our friends are blogging, as well.  So here goes..... I am horrible at updating, but I will really try.

Gig'em!

Rider and Noelle