Graduation!

This past weekend (Jan. 22-26) Robert & I traveled to Florida with Ryan & Kimber and Lindsay & Brian to attend Taylor's graduation from EOD school at Fort Walton, Florida. Larry also came out for the graduation and he took pictures for all of the graduates. Taylor was also promoted to Petty Officer, along with five other men. Again, just as I was when he graduated from boot camp, I was very impressed with the ceremony, the precision and the military-ness of the whole thing (I know that's not a word...but this is my blog and I can do what I want :) ). Florida is beautiful and we got to spend 4 days with Taylor, off and on, visiting different places, seeing where he lived and where he trained, eating at great restaurants and doing a little shopping. It was a very cold time of year and it rained a couple of times while we were there, but it was wonderful seeing what Taylor has been involved in for the past year. He will go through some more training and then will be stationed in Virginia later this year. Next on his calendar he gets to learn how to jump out of planes! How fun for him! We are very grateful for the opportunity we had to be there with him during this very important stage of his life.





Before the graduation, we did some sightseeing near our hotel









the beaches are beautiful in Florida! The sand is very white and fine. I couldn't wait to take off my shoes and wiggle my toes in it!

This is outside the Crab Trap

where we ate lunch

I had to get a bird picture in here somewhere...

This is where the ceremony was held. This is the wall of the names of EOD personnel from each of the different branches of the military who have died in action

These are the men who are being promoted. Taylor is on the right.

This is Taylor being given his certificate...

Taylor's graduating class

Taylor receiving his certificate

Taylor's pin that signifies him as an EOD technician




We are very happy for Taylor that he's been able to achieve this. It is quite a milestone for him.













...and it wouldn't be a trip to the beach without a surfing trip! The water was very cold, but Ryan and Taylor donned their wetsuits and braved the chilly Florida waters to do what they love to do...