Uncle Ryan's Graduation

Jacob had a lot of 'firsts' the past week. His first vacation (which involved a 14 hour car ride), his first hockey game, his first military experience and the list goes on.

Last week my brother, Ryan, graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. It was truly an amazing experience and one that we will remember for a long time. Jacob was excited to see uncle Ryan as you can see from the pictures below.

We spent 5 days in San Antonio and saw a lot of the town and military base (a first for all of us). But most importantly, we got to spend a lot of time with Ryan. He is currently stationed at Lackland for another 8-10 weeks for additional training. After that he's hoping to go overseas. We are very proud of him!! See below for lots of pictures from our trip!!

Our first glimpse of Ryan. The first family activity is the airman run. Ryan is the one in the front with glasses. You do not get to see your airman before or after this event.. literally they just run past you.

Second family activity is the coin ceremony. This is where the airmen receive their coin and technically graduate. It's hard to see but this is actually Ryan receiving his coin.

The funny thing about both pictures above is we had no idea where Ryan was. It was total luck that I happened to take both pictures at the perfect time. After going back and looking through the pictures we were able to pick him out (after about 20 times of looking at the pictures).

After the coin ceremony, we finally got to see Uncle Ryan. Here is Jacob seeing him for the first time in 9 weeks. Before Ryan left, Jacob and him were real buddies and spent a lot of time together.

My mom, Jacob's Nonna and Ryan.

The following day was the official graduation parade ceremony. It was freezing outside. Here's Jacob waiting in the car for it to begin.

Uncle Ryan in his bunk. Look how tight that bed is made... you really could bounce a quarter on it! (His is the lower bed)

Uncle Ryan and Jacob with planes.
All of us at dinner.. Me, Ryan, Nonna, Matt, Grandpa & Grandma Bayerl.

Jacob at the same table in his high chair.. it was a little lower than the rest of the table. Poor guy!

All of us at dinner again. Me, Jacob, Nonna, Uncle Jeff, Matt, Ryan and Grandpa Bayerl. This is at the pizza parlor on base.

Uncle Ryan and Jacob

Me and Ryan

Jacob at his first hockey game. This didn't last long but he was out!! The minor league hockey team offered special discount to the graduates and their family. Plus, if Ryan went to the game he got to stay off base later in the evening and spend more time with family and friends. Not sure any of us really watched the game.

Having fun with Uncle Ryan

Bye Bye Uncle Ryan.. See you at Christmas!