Semper Fi

I'm not sure where to even start.  Summer is winding up, a great summer that is, and a first in many years that has been low-key yet busy all at the same time.  This summer only one trip was made to a Atlanta for a doc visit, one trip to Scottish Rite's ER and one trip to Ivey's local pediatrician.  If you know Ivey, normally all that can happen in one week, one day even.  But this post isn't about Ivey.  

It really is funny how paths cross.  Several years ago this sweet girl attending Berry College came into our lives just to observe "life" with a special needs child and somehow we wound up here with her permanently part of our lives.  We have received a piece of life from her that, I must admit, will not come in the same form with Ivey.  From watching her graduate college, live a summer with us, travel to Utah for grad school and become a wife all the way to the basic daily routines of life, she has become a vital piece of our family.  I miss her.  

(There's a couple of links there with some photos of their wedding...)

But she married this really amazing guy, and together they go.  

So this guy naturally fell into place in our family.  He graduated from UGA, so you know Matt loves him.  He is a natural athlete, so the boys love him.  He loves working with children with special needs, so Ivey loves him.  He loves Taylor, so I love him.   

(Yep, he really is great.) 

After graduating from UGA - and getting Taylor back here from Utah - and a little waiting on the military side, Craig officially began is path with the Marines and began his officer training.  This path led them to Virginia for several months and to North Caroline over the summer.  

Craig graduated at the beginning of August.  Now they are to be based in California.  

They leave today.  

This stay will be for a couple of years.  So around Georgia there are lots of tears. Happy and sad all mixed together.  

Craig was made to be a Marine.  He thrives in this environment so much so that he graduated THE top of his class!  

These two make us so proud.  Proud to know them.  Proud to be part of their lives.  Proud that Craig serves our country.  Proud that Taylor and Craig are so complementary and supportive of one another.  

We love them and miss them when they are away, but they are always in our hearts.  They are woven into the fabric of our family.  A brother and sister, son and daughter, friends - the perfect combination.  This trip is going to great.  Opportunities for Taylor to be in a state with a strong deafblind background.  A place Craig can thrive.  And the opportunity to explore and experience life together.  

But here in Georgia it looks like it's time to start booking a flight to sunny California........

(Please be safe....and Semper Fi!)