Army National Guard: American Heroes

Yesterday we had a birthday party at Jake's parents for Jake, bro-in-law Skyler, niece Taylen, uncle James, cousin Marissa, and grandpa Mel (I think I'm missing someone...). After that we shipped Jake's youngest brother, Josh, off to boot camp in South Carolina. His dad and grandpa were both Generals in the Utah National Guard, so it's in his blood. It was an emotional goodbye, and we're sad we won't see him until Christmas (and I'm sure he'll be all grown up and mature by then!). He will have all his limits tested physically and mentally, but I think one of the greatest things he'll learn will be how strong he is spiritually. I got to teach him my last semester at AFHS, and I'm so thankful I did because I had a great time! I'll miss teasing him--he takes it really well and throws it right back at me. He's a good uncle, too, and we look forward to having him back when Grant's a little older. Next spring I'm sure Grant will love going on horse rides with Josh.

We're proud of you, Josh! Thanks for being willing to become an American Hero. You'll be in our prayers every day.Wearing our American Heroes shirts (Grant's drown him, but he'll grow into it someday!)
We were glad to get Grant to stop crying long enough to take this picture--he had bashed his eye on the coffee table earlier and wasn't in the best mood.
These two are for you, Aubs.
We had a lot more people there earlier, but by the time we got our camera out, this was the crowd.