A military photo shoot

Well, sorry for the photo dump. We got our pictures back and I love them! I think that first one is going on a wall.

I tried to do a themed shoot. I wanted a little vintage military flair.  The dress is a 1960s original (and I think it was hand made as there is no tag). I was hoping for a sixties vibe but I've heard everything from 1920s to 1940s - at least it looks like a different era to some degree, right?

I like the idea of having these photos for posterity. So when (if) we have kids they can look back and see that we did this. Dan did this. He served his country and he was really proud to do it.

It would be nice to find photos of family who served during their lives as well - there is this one I remember, it's just a snapshot, of my grandfather in his navy uniform with a duffel bag tossed over his shoulder.

Anyway, I'm so happy with how these turned out. Dan looks so good in that uniform.

Departures

This week we've said quite a few goodbyes. None were permanent, but all were sad regardless. We said goodbye to Dan's parents last Sunday, goodbye to my parents and grandma Tuesday, and yesterday we said goodbye to Chris.


Dan's known him since high school and by a weird twist of luck (fate? God's wrath?) we all ended up here in North Carolina. He's Army, and about two weeks ago he found out he was deploying this month.


We're sad to see him go. Having a face from back home makes NC feel more like home (the humidity quickly reminds me that it's not). All this to say: goodbyes suck.


Return safely, buddy. 

bro hug.

Aaaand the reason we went to Georgia last weekened:

And the reason I told Dan he should wear his uniform to his best friend's Army graduation. 

Those pictures right there. 

ps. Dan hates the term "bro" like when I say, "you goin' on a bro-date?" He always rolls his eyes at me. And I chuckle to myself because I think I am so terribly funny. Deep down, I think he agrees. 

military wife life

I may have pinned his bar on the wrong way and had to do it over. 

Dan got promoted to Captain! Which means he will no longer be referred to as "Lieutenant Dan" (insert Forrest Gump voice). 
Well, people could still call him that but they would be wrong. He's a Captain. 
He's already made me swear to refrain from standing on our chairs and shouting "Oh Captain, My Captain." Dead Poet's Society was one of our Hurricane Weekend Movies so it was still fresh in our minds. But, while he has made me swear to not refer to him as such, you have made no such oath. So, next time you see him go ahead and make him feel like Robin Williams. I think he'll enjoy it more than he knows. 


They ended up do the ceremony fairly early in the morning so I got to race over to Jacksonville to be there for the ceremony and pin him and then race back to Wilmington for class, which I was late for, but it was worth it. I'm pretty proud of him. 
The guy performing the ceremony, that's Dan's boss, he could not say enough good things about Daniel. The fact that, as a Lieutenant, he has had three acquittals was a pretty big deal. Apparently, guys who have been doing this for way longer never even attempt it. I mean, I know how amazing this guy is, but it's always nice to hear someone else thinks so, too. 


Congratulations, Daniel! I am so proud of you! 

Eggplant Steaks

It's what's for dinner. Dan really wanted to try eggplant steaks, again I was switzerland because I'd never even tasted eggplant in my life. Ever. Aside from the few mistakes that we learned from (ex. don't marinate them overnight, they will get soggy), they were actually pretty good. I don't think I'll be giving up corn-fed Iowa beef for a purple vegetable, but I was pleasantly surprised by this meal. I like the skin the best. The only major downside was that about 40 minutes later I was hungry again. Which is unfortunate becaues I was legitimately full when I left the table, like, could not have put another bite in my mouth, it would come back out, full. So, maybe we need to find some more satisfying vegetables. I never feel hungry after eating filet mignon. At least, not until the next meal time comes around. 

In other news, I had to go out to the base yesterday to take him home after to a pre-op appointment for his lasik. I got there early so we could register my car at the base. We were meeting at the visitors center and just before you go in there is a huge sign with information on what you need as a visitor to come on base and who is not allowed on base at all. My favorite reason for denial of access was "is on the national terrorist watch list." All I was thinking was, if they want to get in they probably wouldn't use the front gate. 

p.s. Bossypants by Tina Fey is making me laugh out loud. If you haven't read it, get it.