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Thursday, June 17, 2010

An Amazing Career

Vacations are wonderful and time with family even more precious.  But playing catch up with email, blogs, etc. when you get home takes forever!  I'm not sure how long it's going to take me, but I think it's going to be awhile since I'm trying to clean out some computer files at the same time. 

So this will be a short post.  Just wanted to say we are home and enjoyed Mike's celebration immensely.  Here are some of my favorite pics.

Thursday night was the retirement banquet


It was a combination of good natured roasting and accolades. He received many amazing gifts and he liked his quilt!






And said "I promised myself I would NOT get emotional".



We had four generations together...
Granddaughter Kelley Ann, my mother, Marie, Mike and me


Me, Mike and Tom
Me, Mike and his dad, Art



Step-mom, Maggie, Mike and his dad, Art

Love this pic of Mike and his daughter, Kelley who is going to make him a grandfather in January.



Son Martin, daughter Kelley, Mike and wife Lindy
Son Greg wasn't able to attend as he is preparing to deploy to Afghanistan

Friday was the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony
Last day in uniform..headed to the parade field


It was a gorgeous day and very emotional to see the troops lining the field
Last time leading the brigade....


  
After the ceremony, Mike and Lindy with their kids

And his final award.. a SECOND Legion of Merit!!!

 

The end of a distinguished career and the beginning of a new adventure.  Congratulations, Mike!  We love you so very much!


9 comments:

Jacquie said...

WOW Mary! Now I am emotional! You have to be so proud of him. I had goosebumps just reading the captions and seeing the pics I am sure it was powerful being there. Thanks for sharing.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

sounds like a wonderful get together and congratulations on his retirement and sounds like you have every right to be proud.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

Sherry said...

What a wonderful day and you were there to enjoy it how wonderful. You and so proud and you should be.

Geta Grama said...

Wow, Mary, I am so touched seeing all these pictures ! Thank you for sharing and congratulations to Mike and Kelley.

Crispy said...

Oh Mary such lovely pictures, I even got tears in my eyes :0)

Welcome Home!!

Crispy

Lee Prairie Designs said...

Wonderful pictures Mary, thanks for sharing with everyone.

Carolyn from Des Moines, Iowa

Barb said...

I know you are so proud of your son....thanks for sharing your day with us.

Linda said...

How sweet these pictures were. I know it was an emotional time but it should be. Congrats to your son and to your granddaughter too. What an exciting trip. The quilt looked wonderful. What a wonderful gift. Thanks for sharing.

Donna said...

The pics are just wonderful, Mary! What a wonderful trip you must have had, and congratulations to Mike on his retirement after such an illustrious career. The quilt is lovely, and what precious memories for you.