Gina (Ship 09/ Div 331)

Yes, you can take pics at graduation. Video, too. It is amazing; we will be seated in front of our sons' division. At first, they all look alike and the sailors are meant to stand still, straight and look ahead. But once your son spots you, prepare yourself.  There were a few drop offs at my steps' grads (those that could not stand that long, knees buckled, etc. and they are silently escorted away...). It lasts about an hour or so and then we leap off the sidelines and grab our boys. The anticipation of that moment brings me to tears.

I got a letter from Zach today that they will be graduating in their blues. So impressive. He also said that an SR in their division told an RDC to "shut the f*** up" and was worried they would all be IT'd. Ugh.

I am hoping to go to the Meet and Greet but will probably be up late baking cookies and making lasagna. Why he wants my home cooking is beyond me. BC food must be pretty bad. :)

Get as much information as you can about his flight out on Saturday as he will be unable to call you after he returns to BC Friday night. The airports are pretty strict, of course, so to get pass the gates will be tricky. Just got to find the right patriot.

I don't know if I told you this, but bring his phone to the airport so he can call you when he arrives in Florida.  He cannot bring his phone back to BC on Friday.

Anything else, let me know. I am happy to share. And counting the minutes!!

Yes, its starting to get cold. Which part of California are you from?
Grad starts at 9. We have to be seated at 845 and it ends at 1030. I'm not sure what time we are going to get there, probably 745 or so. Dress is comfortable but respectful. One family had sweatshirts with their daughter's name on the back. I thought that was sweet.
IT intensive training. Zach described it like the SR wasn't intentional ... I haven't heard that any have been kicked out or are not graduating but a few have come close. 12 more days.... !!!

Hi Gina. I got a letter from Zach today, they are very, very busy this week! Yesterday, they had to go into the gas chamber, I'm sure that was horrible, and then had their 3rd 6-hour long firefighting class as well as a final inspection. They had to get into one of their dress uniforms, make sure it is put on perfectly, answer "Navy stuff" and then dress down and stow everything away. Today, they have their final PFA and Wednesday they will have Test 3 and fire fighting applications where they will actually fight fires. Maybe you know this already, I was just so excited to share with someone as anxious as I am about it!

Finally, on Thursday, they have a divisional drill inspection and then start BS at 2000!

After they are official sailors, they apparently "clean until October 7th!"  

As for a gift, we bought Zach a digital frame for his desk at school as he will be there for almost a year and a half before he gets to a ship. Cameras and laptops are useful, too. 

As far as a steak place, it is Chicago so you can't go wrong. I would ask the hotel but the surrounding area (Vernon Hills, Lake Forest) are all very nice with lots of shops, malls and restaurants.

I cannot believe that there are less than ten days left!!!