11 July 2009 (Day 77)
I woke up after a good night's sleep, because I was ready to see my family! If I had chosen a different MOS, I would be graduating basic training and heading to another fort or base to finish with AIT (Advanced Individual Training), so I'm glad I get a family day, even though graduation is in less than five weeks! We cleaned the bay thoroughly and got dressed in our ACUs and headed downstairs for 0600 first formation. At about 0630, we had our catered UPU breakfast, and while I was eating, I saw three familiar individuals walking down the hill towards my barracks! I waited until they were within earshot and whistled the family "hooty hoo" call, which Brittney heard! I started smiling so big and just waved, not being able to talk yet. My parents and Brittney went into the classroom to get their family briefing while we cleaned up from breakfast and then marched down to the ceremonial field, where the D&C competition would be held. We waited around for about 30 minutes before we saw the parents walking down the hill! Again, I saw my family and smiled, but being in formation, I couldn't do anything (but they saw me!). When all the families were seated, we began the competition, and so being first platoon, we went first. We did alright, but our drill sergeants really don't care about D&C, so we didn't practice as much as the other platoons. I did just about perfect, so I can't complain! We weren't told what place we came in, but third platoon won, which was fine with us, I just wanted to be on pass! When the competition was over, we put a mock smoke session of doing pushups (but that didn't last long), and then headed back to our barracks where we cleaned, changed into our Class Bs, got inspected, received our cell phones back, and then formed up downstairs. We were given our paper passes (signed by our captain), and then we were let loose for the best two days since I've been at basic training! (I was so busy enjoying and spending time with family, I didn't get a chance to write until after the weekend was over!).
When I finally got to be with my family, Brittney came walking briskly to me, where we hugged tightly and cried tears of joy! I then went to hug my mom, then dad, feeling relieved that family day was here and I was actually with people I love! My dad went back to the van to grab the tub of cookies Brittney had made for Spence, Salado, and of course, me! The other guys in my platoon started coming over for them, and within about thirty seconds, all but two had been devoured (which I held back for me to eat later). We then walked back to the van, talking and enjoying time with each other. I then directed my dad where to drive, taking about an hour to give a tour of the training and living areas I have had to call home for the last two and a half months. We then went off base to Olive Garden to eat lunch, where I got a chicken and broccoli pasta dish! It was nice to eat somewhere other than the D-Fac! After lunch, we headed to a couple of Army surplus stores to look around and try to find something I needed, and then headed to a Civil War Naval museum. It was interesting, and the time spent with family was what mattered most! After the museum, we went back to the hotel and relaxed for a couple of hours before heading to dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse. Dinner went by fast, and soon after it was time to head back to Sand Hill to check in for final formation. It was easy to say goodnight, because I knew I had another day ahead of me! When we got called back to form us, we had our bags searched and then were dismissed to change into PTs. We went back downstairs to get smoked for about 6-10 minutes, doing nothing but ab workouts. After that, we went back upstairs, where I talked on the phone with Brittney, falling asleep sometime before 11:00 pm.
12 July 2009 (Day 78)
I woke up at 0400 ready to go! I knew I had to get more sleep, so I slept until 0500 and then finally got up at 0520 to talk to Brittney! I then took a shower, brushed my teeth and went back to my locker to change. By now, it was time for everyone else to wake up, but I just took my time getting dressed and formed up downstairs, being released at 0650. In fact, I was already halfway to the parking lot when I met my family going down the hill to see me! I motioned for them to turn around and walk back to the van as I ran to catch up with them, because I was ready to leave again and spend time with my loved ones! We headed back to the hotel to enjoy breakfast, where I ate a waffle and drank a cup of apple juice. After breakfast, we just sat around in the hotel room planning out the rest of the day. At 9:30, we left the hotel and went to explore the main post of Ft. Benning. Brittney got to take some pictures for her dad and saw where he went through jump school nearly 20 years ago! We then went to the main PX for a little while (which was like a department store), and left there to go to the National Infantry Museum. When we got there, we had a little hold-me-over picnic lunch out of the back of the van, and then went inside. We spent about 3 and a half hours looking at all the exhibits, which again I got a little emotional thinking about everyone before me and all they did, and where I fit in to this large puzzle. After the museum, we went out to eat at Country Barbecue (where Brittney, my mom, and my dad went to eat on Friday) for dinner. It was good, but I heard they were known for their homemade watermelon pie (not really, because it was gross-- it was like watermelon chopped up in cool whip with a graham cracker crust). I had a sampler plate with pork and ribs, so I felt pretty good afterwards, even eating early at 4:00 pm. We went back to the hotel for about two hours, where we took some pictures (and created me into the Avatar for Devon!). After the fun, I started getting emotional and Brittney lost it with me. Words didn't need to be spoken, but basically just when I got to see her, we had to be apart again. At least it's only 4 and a half more weeks! We went back to the barracks to make sure I was on time and took more pictures outside of my barracks. It was tough to say good bye (or see you later), but knowing I only had a month left helped. I then had final formation, went upstairs, sent a final text message telling my family I loved them all, and then got searched for any contraband. I snuck in one last call to Brittney before putting my cell phone in a plastic bag with my name on it and turning it back to the drill sergeant. Spence and I were up for staff duty, so we went to that, put in our time, and then went to bed at 2300. I sure love my family, and seeing them this weekend was amazing! I can't wait for my turning blue ceremony on August 13th, and then going home after graduation the next day. I had a lot to think about falling asleep, but I was able to sleep and get back into the mindset to return to work. Thank you mom and dad for coming, because you being here meant a lot to me! I can't wait to see everyone in a month, and please please please keep me in your prayers!
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