I love my Marine Dad!!!

by Cora

I've been through a lot with my Mom. I've been there for her every time, and Jack really has too, but he was a little bit of a hassle until he realized that he belonged with us. Mom and Dad decided to get married before he was to leave for his deployment to Africa. They were planning a Catholic wedding in Jeanerette in Sept. of 2006, but Mom got a call from Dad at work, and they moved the deployment up, so it changed everything. She was upset, but I think what upset her more is that he was leaving earlier. Well with plans changing there were so many options to get the wedding over with before he left, Justice of the Peace in Louisiana, or Texas. Mom knew her friends weren't going to let it be just a wedding, but then our uncle Steve had the idea of having the wedding in Minnesota at the Nilson family reunion. That was what they decided June 17th, 2006. It was a long trip, but so worth it. We became one big happy family.

Dad left for training in North Carolina at the beginning of July. Mom kept herself busy with sports camps and open gyms and stuff, so it wasn't too bad. Once school had started, mom got to take a little vacation to visit Dad before he left for Africa and she showed me tons of pictures. Kind of a little honeymoon for them.

While Dad was in Africa, Mom and I did a lot together. Our friends in Katy, Texas were wonderful and very helpful. We went to visit people and dogs as much as we could.

New Years in Texas!

Dad told Mom that I was the only one she could kiss for new years

How lucky am I!!

We also just sat in the back yard and Mom played with Jack and me as she sat in her hammock and had some wine.

Not the best picture of me, but that was all I could find!

We also went to Minnesota and Louisiana to visit family, and Mom took us every time she went somewhere. We were great at road trips!!!!!

Christmas in Minnesota!

So we support all of our troops and Mom understands what many families are going through. She would tell you to be strong and when you get to see them get off that plain when they arrive home, it is the best feeling in the world. Something you will never forget!!!