I went to El Paso this past weekend to watch Gens graduate from his intern status at the Beaumont Army Medical Center. It might not be as big a deal as his graduation from medical school (which I wasn't able to go to) last year, but it is a huge accomplishment for Gens and means hours of sacrifice for the family. I had a very fun time with the three "wild and crazy" grandsons, Dailan (5), Magnus (3), and Soren (15 months).
Watching the military graduation ceremony brought back so many memories of our time in the United States Navy. It was formal, dignified, and very specific. I love how my daughter-in-law, Nicci, makes sure she and her children are part of everything Gens does. It was suggested that the young children go to the child care provided for families. She said, "no, these kids need to be a part of their dad's experience." Go Nicci!
We took time for a little family walk around the block. I always thought El Paso was the armpit of Texas, but it's actually quite lovely. The weather was beautiful, cool and comfortable in the evenings. I am impressed with it and the good lives Gens and Nicci are providing for their children. 
Funny story: there was a gentle breeze on Saturday evening when I was watching the boys while mom and dad were out to dinner and dancing with the other medical residents. The boys and I decided to fly a kite. To make a long story short--the frog kite flew higher and higher. It was magnificent! Until the string holder jumped out of my hand, over the wall, into the Rio Grande River and was lost forever! I am now looking for a replacement kite! 
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