Daddy Graduates from the Air Force Weapons School

Daddy spent July through December working extremely hard to become an Air Force Weapons Officer.  All of his perseverance paid off and he graduated in a weekend long celebration in Las Vegas.  It had been a long time spent apart so Daddy booked us a room in the Bellagio, one of the nicest hotels on the strip, while Mimi and Pappy babysat Colin at their house.  The hotel was absolutely gorgeous and totally decked out for Christmas.

I couldn't get enough of these adorable polar bears made completely of flowers!

 

Daddy had been out in Vegas for several weeks finishing up his training and I arrived in town Thursday evening while he was taking part in his patch night ceremony.  My wonderful high school friend, Sara, lives in Las Vegas and was kind enough to pick me up at the airport and treat me to dinner at her house.  I was so happy I was able to see her sweet daughter Julia again and meet baby Natalie for the first time.

After a fun evening, Daddy picked me up at Sara's house and we continued the night at the hotel New York, New York.  We spent Friday relaxing and enjoying an awesome dinner together.

On Saturday, Aunt Jen joined us to celebrate Daddy and his accomplishments.  She'd never been to Las Vegas before so it was definitely a treat.

Saturday evening was the big night: United States Air Force Weapons School Graduation!  Daddy was looking handsome as ever as we got ready in the hotel room.

All dressed up and ready to celebrate!

Aunt Jen was very proud of her little brother, can you tell?

Before we entered the large ballroom, each squadron within the school had their own meeting room where we could socialize before the graduation.  To my surprise, it turned out to be a graduation of sorts for all of the spouses.  We each received a certificate, Weapons School pendant, and a bouquet of flowers, not to mention a huge thank you for dealing with all of stress the school placed on our husbands.  It was an honor to be recognized and was greatly appreciated. 

Soon after entering the ballroom, we had a magnificent dinner.  My favorite part was dessert and not just because it was dessert but because of the fun weapons school patch on the top.  What a cool little accent!

Finally, the big moment had come: Captain Timothy Goodwillie, graduate of the Air Force Weapons School.

 

I could not have been any more proud of my husband as I was at this moment.  He worked so incredibly hard for six grueling months and had to push himself to limits he had never reached before.  He did it and will be that much better of an officer and pilot because of it.

 A closer look at the diploma:

Our little bun in the oven will forever be told all that Daddy accomplished while he or she grew peacefully inside of Mommy's tummy.  So happy that Daddy will now be home as the little bambino finishes cooking.

After getting the heck out of the shoes I was wearing, we finished off the night at a dueling pianos bar in the Paris Hotel.  It was a very special evening and one we will never forget.  There was so much to be proud of!

Meanwhile, back in Pennsylvania, Colin enjoyed his time running around Mimi and Pappy's house and taking a trip to Hershey Park's Christmas Wonderland.

Aunt Sis showed Colin all of the fun rides:

While Mimi took him to see Santa's reindeer:

From what I heard, it was a good day at the park!  I can't thank Mimi, Pappy, Aunt Sis, and Uncle Connor enough for taking care of our little munchkin.  He was in great hands and loved every minute of it.