Day Two Hundred Fifty-Six: CAP Promotion Ceremony

Ruth had her second promotion with CAP tonight. I had to miss the first one, so I was really glad it worked out for me to be there tonight. Jeff and I got to pin her new ranks on her during the ceremony, and we couldn't be more proud of our Cadet Airman First Class!

Day Two Hundred Forty-Seven: Several Small Firsts

There really wasn't one big First today. But, there were several small ones. First of all, Ruth and I left the house at about 6:45 to go to Aubrey for an Equestrian Special Olympics horse show, which some of the CAP cadets were helping out with. I actually spent most of the time in the car because it was COLD. From there, we drove straight to Six Flags, which was where Ruth wanted to celebrate her birthday with one of her very best friends. It was my first time to just drop Ruth off at a place like that, which is a testament to the fact that she is almost 16. I then had lunch with one of my very good friends, who happens to the the mom of Ruth's friend. We haven't gotten to have one-on-one time like that in quite a long time, so it was a very nice treat. Finally, I took myself to Urban Alchemy, a new-to-me local coffee shop, where I spent the afternoon writing while waiting to pick up the girls.

Day Two Hundred Forty: Below Freezing Medal of Honor Parade

Ruth has recently become a member of the Color Guard of her branch of the Civil Air Patrol, and they were invited to participate in Gainesville's Medal of Honor parade, which was today. Who would have guessed the temperature would drop below freezing and that freezing drizzle would be falling from the sky a week into a Texas April?! Needless to say, it wasn't quite the introduction to parade participation we were hoping for! But, despite the weather, Ruth and her fellow cadets did their duty and looked great doing it! And the rest of us, sans Weston (who was away on a Boy Scout campout), did our familial duty and withstood the elements to see our girl do her thing. We are so proud of Ruth, and we're thankful to all the veterans, who have given so much to ensure the freedoms we enjoy and often take for granted!

Nighthawk Cadets
(Ruth is carrying the blue CAP flag in the front line)

Bundled up against the elements but still enjoying the parade
(and all the candy filling up their pockets!)

Perfect day for a parade!
(Check out that "feel like" temp!)

Day One Hundred Seventy-Seven: Military Surplus Store

I think once, when I was in college, I stumbled upon the military surplus store across from campus. I barely gave it a glance, and I haven't darkened the door of another military surplus store since that time. Until today. Because that's where you shop when you are the mother of a CAP cadet and you don't want to pay ridiculous prices at the online retailer for specific uniform components. I thought we would just be popping in there for the necessities, but I have to admit, it was a super cool store, and we spent plenty of extra time just looking around. I kept wondering if I needed any tactical gear or grenade boxes in my life and how I would look in various shades of camo. It was definitely a new kind of shopping experience for me, and it was surprisingly fun!

Omaha's Surplus

No camo for me this time, but we got this girl fully outfitted.

Day One Hundred Seventy: CAP PT Test and Uniform

Ruth recently became a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, and to advance through the ranks, she has to take and pass certain physical, academic, and drill tests at particular intervals. Today was her first PT test and the first PT test I have ever been witness to. It was interesting to watch, and I enjoyed learning about the process. Ruth did wonderfully and easily passed. She was the only female participant, and she definitely held her own.

Afterwards, she stopped by the organization's supply closet to rifle through the donated uniforms they had on hand to see if there were any in her size. It was the first time I have seen her in a military uniform. It was a mixed bag of emotions for me, but mostly I felt so proud.

The Sit-and-Reach portion of the PT test

Day One Hundred Nine: Civil Air Patrol

It wasn't that long ago that I had never heard of the Civil Air Patrol. And yet tonight I found myself at one of their meetings. Of course, I was only there as an observer and a supporter of one girl's dream to attend the Air Force Academy at some point in the not-too-distant future. I love how my kids are constantly introducing me to new things!

Civil Air Patrol drills