San Antonio Day 1

Our 1st day in San Antonio was spent on base as Matt wasn't allowed to leave the base that day. We got up pretty early to attend the Airmen's Run...where all the flights run by in formation. Let me tell you it is really hard to pick out someone you know when they run by wearing the same outfit and having the same haircut as 50 other guys! Here is Matt's flight..they were wearing tan shirts. I couldn't find him but turns out Taylor picked him out (he is in the middle of the bunch of guys).

The kids waiting for daddy to run by


Matt's flight running by


There was lots of waiting time between activities....the kids did great having to wait. The weather was perfect too! It wasn't too hot and it actually clouded over and sprinkled for a few minutes..we didn't get wet though since we were under an awning.

Then it was time for the Coin Ceremony. This was great b/c we were actually able to see Matt really good. He was just the 3rd guy back in line. Seeing him for the 1st time in 8 1/2 weeks was very emotional. I didn't think it would affect me as much as it did. I just sat there with tears running down my face. The kids kept asking me what was wrong and I just kept saying "I'm happy" which made no sense to Madison and Caleb.

The instructors getting the coins set up for the ceremony


Flight 357 marching in (again Matt was in the middle so it was hard to get a pic)


Matt is the the 3rd guy back in the middle row


After the ceremony we were allowed to "tap Matt out". The guys had to stand there at attention until there family member came up to them. I didn't think I could get to Matt fast enough. The kids were so glad to see him...Taylor and Caleb both cried. Even Matt had tears in his eyes :) It was wonderful to wrap my arms around him (though there was lots less of him to hug).

Our 1st family picture in 9 weeks


There was lots of hugging!


We enjoyed just having lunch with him on base at Burger King (a first for him since he had gotten there) and then walking around. We also got to meet some of the other guys in his flight.

Walking around the base...the kids wouldn't let go of his hands!