The Windy City

Our trip to Chicago was amazing! We started off on a little excursion, getting lost on the way to our hotel. Our plane landed in Milwaukee at 7 p.m. We hopped into our rental cars and were off on the 30 min drive to Wakigan where our hotel and the Naval base are located. Two and a half hours later, we FINALLY made our way to our hotel (sigh). At this point we were all completely wiped out from the long trip and crashed. Hanner's graduation was at 9 on base the next morning. We had to take a shuttle to base and go through lines of security (naturally) and be seated by 8. Although we were all so tired it was so worth it!

Two of the highlights of the ceremony for me were when I picked Hanner out of the 800 other sailors, he looked so good! I have never been more proud. Also when they were saying the sailor's prayer. Watching the heads of every sailor bow in unison. It was truly an amazing thing to be apart of!

After the ceremony he was ours for the rest of the day! And we were very excited! We headed back to the hotel where we changed, goofed around a bit (of course) and then headed to lunch.

While out and about on the town Kye purchased, with his own money, one of the Navy uniforms at a souvenir shop. He sported it with pride.

Hanner really wanted to get a picture of himself jumping in the air, to capture the moment of how he felt of being done with his 8 weeks in basic training. It took us a few tries to get a good one but I think we finally got one!

WHITE CASTLE ANYONE?

Being from Wyoming, my family can be considered to most people (hicks from the sticks). While we didn't stick out like a sore thumb in crowds, our conversations and inside jokes reek of hicks!

"Herold and Kumar Go to White Castle" is a DUMB movie that I've only seen bits and pieces of. But I had NO IDEA it was an actual fast food place. So needless to say, we HAD to eat there (not my choice). And let's just say we finally found the fast food restaurant that is WORSE than McDonalds. My ten and twelve year old brothers wouldn't even eat the burgers. I guess we would have figured when the burgers are 60 cents a piece and they come in a "crave case". The whole experience has turned into a huge family joke.