Kyle's first military leave!

In Marine lingo, they call this "boots in the house."

Kyle got to come home!  Between Infantry training and his Permanent Duty Station (which I'm not putting on the internet), he got to come home for 5 days.  

It was so nice to see him; and a little bittersweet to see that he's the same old Kyle, a little more grown up, and lot of unique experiences behind him, but still our Kyle.

Normally, during boot camp they have uniform classes and fittings.  Since he was there during a pandemic, he didn't get those.  So this is him figuring it all out on his own:

I had to get a picture of all his gear.  Fun fact: Marines pay for all of their own gear, and food, and internet... there were a lot of surprises for me.

I sure would have like to see him in his dress blues (the uniform folded up in the suitcase), but that will have to wait for another time.

My post from Facebook:

Today: a journal entry

At the airport, the baggage handler:

"Are you a Marine?"

Kyle: "Yes"

Man: "Can I shake... how about an elbow bump? Thank you for keeping the bad guys away. Thank you for your service."

Kyle's been home for a few days and the first time someone thanked him for his service in my presence (at the bank), I was glad for a mask because I got emotional. It's something I think is so cool and he's earned it! It's something I'll get used to.

What I'm not sure I'll get used to? Saying goodbye. That totally stinks.