C's trip day 6: Celebrate

today was dad's retirement ceremony, party and dinner. i am not even a blood relation and i teared up (shhh don't tell TK). it was just such an incredible day and i was blessed to be included in it. Papa Tex spoke followed by the three girls (TK, R and Mom). then Dad made his speech.

all of the speeches were followed by Dad giving each of the girls something as well as KT, Brian, Wanda and Grandpa (i think thats everyone). TK then presented Dad with the scrapbook the girls were working on and his face was too funny when he saw it. then Dad and Mom went "ashore" for the last time and walked off the stage as Dad's brother rang the bell.

everyone then hung out, talked and had some refreshments. after packing everything up we took the tables to the house and headed back to the hotel for a nap. an hour later we got up changed and headed back to the house for the dinner and party portion of the evening. the kids were so darn cute, they had made up a list of games they wanted to play while the whole family was over after the ceremony. there was a spelling bee, musical chairs, the "navy game" and a sponge race. i only got photos of musical chairs and the "navy game" as i couldnt take pictures and concentrate on getting water into a cup during the sponge race.

after the games the family just had a good time sitting and talking with each other, looking through scrapbooks and discussing the military men in the family.