Hot Weather, BBQ and a Rodeo

I cannot get over how dadgum hot it's been. And from reading the blogs and Facebook, as well as talking to family back East, everyone's dealing with the heat. I really don't like it. At all. Guess I am not one for extremes in weather – didn't like the cold last winter; don't like the heat this summer. Give me 75 to 80 degrees all year round and I'd be doing a happy dance. :)

Well, the Army doesn't stop for any kind of weather and yesterday Kevin's troop BBQ was scheduled. Outside. So, guess what we did? Yep, we went to the BBQ. :)

I thought this was just a get-together for the families to just relax and enjoy. And it was that, but it was a recognition moment, too.

Kevin's CO, Captain Miletich

recognized the three platoons in the troop for their service during the past 11 months in Iraq. He was very encouraging and spoke a bit of how proud he was of the job these young men did during their deployment.

Kevin’s platoon (he’s far right w/sunglasses)

Officers thanking each soldier for their service

I'll admit it – there were tears in my eyes. :) We were the only parents there and, as I looked around, it just amazed me how young these soldiers are. Even the officers.

We had a nice lunch and I got to watch Kevin in his element.

 

It was nice. I even got to catch a few moments of Captain Miletich's time to thank him for supporting my boy as well as the other men. I also took a minute to thank the officers' wives for their support and encouragement of the young wives in the troop. What a nice group of people. I am so grateful that God has placed Kevin here.

Kev w/his Iraq roomie, Renaker

Kevin, Sara, Randy & I 

After a couple of hours in the heat, Randy & I were ready to come back to the house to cool off. We had a few hours before we had to be back out the door to go to the rodeo at the fairgrounds. I could have easily done without that, but the kids had bought us tickets, so off we went.

Man, it was ugly out! As I said in my Facebook status last night, I don't think I'd ever been that wet outside of a shower or pool – that's how humid it was. We watched a bit of the rodeo, but left early as Kev wasn't feeling well. Can't say I was disappointed to get out of the heat!

Today has been spent inside. The kids took their dogs to the dog park for awhile, but Randy & I chose to stay home. It is a bit cooler today, but still in the upper 80s.

Tomorrow's schedule just has church on it. Then, we'll need to pack up so we get head out the door early Monday morning. Not sure when I'll post again. Maybe not until we get home. So, if you don't hear from me, don't worry. You know I won't stay quiet for long!! :)

Until the next time . . .