Let's Catch Up!

I haven't posted since before the Half Way Point of Bootcamp. Lots of things have gone on so let's just hit the highlights (and you will see why I haven't posted in a while!)

Ryan gained weight.

Ryan shot EXPERT LEVEL and received an "Expert Badge"

Cade went to ER - throat infection, Strep and ear infection...Children's Hospital at Legacy in Plano ROCKS! We had to stay the night - it was like staying in a hotel! Excellent care and great facility - highly recommend it!

Jamie had shoulder surgery. OUCH!

Cade had his tonsils and adenoids out, but we didn't have to stay over night!

Ryan went the gas chamber...yes! Literally, the real gas chamber - you don't want to know the details - BRUTAL! Ryan said in this letter home that he now has bragging rights...anything anyone brags about, he will just say, "...SO! I have been to the Gas Chamber!" We believe that trumps just about anything?

Cade had to go back to ER. Got a tummy bug 3 days after surgery! NOT GOOD, but we did get to come home!

Jake & Jamie got "tummy bugs". Thrilling!

WE GOT PHONE CALLS FROM RYAN! His voice was almost gone for the first round of calls and he sounded really different to me...the same, but still different! I think I was in shock - I didn't even cry!

Jamie got a horrible sinus infection!

We got to see a video of the Platoon - just the recruits in their cammies standing on bleachers and the camera scanned their faces - incredible! First time we have seen him since August 31.

Ryan scored perfect scores on his oral exams! (We knew he would!)

Ryan not only survived the Crucible but he was the 1st one to reach the top of the Reaper (big mountain they had to hike at 3am, after not sleeping or eating and in the RAIN!) OOH-RAH!

Ryan ate a Warrior's Breakfast (and lots of ice cream) and was awarded his Eagle, Globe and Anchor and became a True Marine...no more Recruit - he is officially a United States Marine!

We ate Turkey!

Jake lost yet another tooth...actually, it was hurting - so he just yanked it out!??

We got more CALLS from Ryan and he got to talk to the boys and Granny & Papa! YEA! I didn't cry! YEA!

In 3 days we leave for San Diego.

On Sat. Dec 6th our Marine comes home! He will be here until Jan. 13, 2009! WAHOO! He will get to go to Sachse High School to try to Recruit...how great is that?

When we return, I will have lots of pictures to post and more details to fill in the blanks...hopefully, Ryan will be able to post as well - can't wait to hear all of his stories!

Semper Fi,
Kendra