OCS Graduation

Hallelujah Daddy is home! And it's amazing!!!

We finally got to see him on Friday when we drove down to Little Rock for his OCS graduation. OCS is "Officer Candidate School". Chris has worked for the last 18 months to become an officer and on Saturday he graduated with his class and is now a 2nd Lieutenant. I'm incredibly proud of him.
I can't begin to explain how hard this school was. He was emotionally, physically and mentally exhausted but he did it. 

We arrived in Little Rock on Friday evening and we all flipped out when we got to finally see Daddy- after over 3 weeks. 

We checked into our hotel and then we went to Dinner. Chris had lost quite a bit of weight and we decided he need a good meal. We went to "Kobe Sushi & Hibachi"

It was lots of fun. The kids faces were so funny when they watched the guy work his magic on the hibachi grill. 

After dinner we went back to our hotel to put the kids to bed. The kids insisted that Daddy tuck them in and watch some tv with them. I love this picture. They missed Dad so much and didn't want him out of their sight. I understand the feeling. 

Chris left bright and early for graduation. We followed a few hours later. 

Our hotel had a glass elevator and it was quite entertaining for the kids. 

We were on the 8th floor and the kids loved the long ride down on the elevator each day. 

We arrived at "Militia Hall" on base at "Camp Robinson". We found seats and attempted to keep the kids happy while we watched Daddy's graduation. 

Here's Chris' graduating class. There were 15 that graduated. There were a lot more officer candidates a year ago, but many didn't make it through the program. I'm telling you, it was ridiculously hard. 

I'm so proud of my husband and the other 14 officers. 

Here is Chris receiving his diploma. He looks so handsome in his dress uniform. 

After the new officers received their diplomas, each officer was pinned by a loved one. I was able to pin Chris' rank on him and we were both near tears. I'm just so proud of him and I think he was so relieved it was over. 

Here is the entire class in the dress uniforms. Tough looking bunch huh?

After graduation was over we had cake and punch.

We had to grab some pictures with our new 2nd Lieutenant. We are so proud of him!

We are so happy Mimi was able to be there for the graduation. 

Then Saturday night Chris and I got to go to military banquet for all the new officers. It was so formal, but we had a great time. Chris had so much fun catching up with all his classmates. 

It was a great night and we had a nice weekend with Daddy. We are thrilled to be home with him and let life resume as normal. So proud of him!!!!