I went back and forth about whether or not I should post this blog from my business page, as it is more of a personal post. However, my sweet staff shared some amazing deals in the studio while I was gone so I thought I would share with all of you where I was and why.

Before I begin my story I want to share a little bit about my nephew, Matt. Matt and I grew up together. I was in the fourth grade when he was born and I pretty much thought he hung the moon from the beginning of his life. I used to pray for my mom and dad to just have one more baby because I really wanted a little brother. Instead, my sister gave me an amazing gift and made me an Aunt! Matt and I grew up more like siblings, as we lived together while he was a baby. I carried him around  on my hip proudly. Matt and I both grew up of course and I started a life of my own. 

When I became pregnant with my son Rylan, I  had no idea the complete and total love that comes with becoming a mother. I knew of course that I would love him, but the huge and unexplainable love that we have for our children was something I just couldn't wrap my head around. I called Matt crying on the phone one day saying "I just don't know if I can love another kid as much as I love you!" He laughed at me and said, "Me Me, you will love him more than me." Of course my heart had room for more love and we actually named Rylan after Matt, Rylan Matthew.

Years have gone on since then and my son is now 7. He thinks the world of Matt and when he left to California for Marine Boot Camp we were all proud. Rylan and I jumped on a plane to California to watch Matt graduate as a Marine. This was Rylan's first flight and I want to add that this photo below was taken with my PHONE, so please do NOT judge the quality!

 

Not only was this Rylan's first flight, but it was also my big sister's first time to fly. I love her dearly, she just cracks me up. Amy often jokes that if she had a super power she would be "Anxiety Girl!". She calls herself Anxiety Amy. So naturally flying was not on her top 10 things she would like to do. I want to take this time to thank all of her sweet friends who called her while we were at the airport and attempted to talk her off of the ledge. She finally did get on the plane after me getting a little stern with her......

Amy's husband Greg, and little Rylan were having a blast at the airport. Of course we stopped at the massage chairs :) Can you tell we don't get out much??

 

 I want to say how much Amy loved flying when the plane took off. She was sitting in the chair in front of me and I could hear her telling Greg, "Wow!! Look at that!" It truly warmed my heart to sit and watch her experience this for the very first time. Rylan was very excited as well. This next image was also taken with my phone since my camera was packed away. Again, please ignore the terrible quality!

  
The next morning we were up early and ready to head to base. You don't get to see your Marine when you get there, or even get to talk to him. They do a run by and then they stop in front of you. I want you to try to imagine just how hard that is. After not seeing or speaking to your loved one for months, when they stop right in front of you it is the hardest thing in the world not to run up to them, hug them, and tell them just how proud you are of what they accomplished. Keep in mind too that all of these young men look just alike. They're dressed alike and have the same hair cut. So, you spend much of your time after they stop trying to find your Marine. 

At this point, my sister and I were hand in hand. We kept going back and forth to one another "Is that him??" "No, not him" "Do you see him?" Then all of the sudden, I spotted him. "Amy! I see him! Oh my goodness, he's right there!" Remember, you can't hug them. Matt and I made eye contact right away, although he told me later he thought I was his mom! The tears of course began rolling as Amy and I held on to one another. It was a priceless moment with my sister that I will never forget.

Middle row of this image, count back to the third young man. That's him!

So after this they run off again for a 3 mile run. They then take the family in for a brief video presentation while the Marine's shower and get ready to see their family. 

Finally, this was the moment all of these people were waiting for. It was crowded of course as many mothers, sisters, wife's, and yes even some aunts waited to hug their marine for the very first time in months.

It is pure chaos at this time because everyone scatters and searches for their family. Amy and I stuck together and then Matt came up behind her. Watching Amy hug him brought tears to my eyes. The many emotions of pride, love and pure joy were evident across her face.

Somehow we lost Rylan and Greg in the crowd, but then they came towards us. Seeing Rylan jump up into his arms was priceless as well. We were all really emotional.

We were able to spend the rest of the day with him although he was unable to leave the base until the actual graduation ceremony the next day. We spent most of the day walking around the base and catching up with what all had been going on in the world while he was gone.

So after a fun day of hanging out on base it was time for Matt to go and spend one last night there. The next day we returned for graduation.

The next day we hung out in California all day. I might just be the only photographer in the world that forgot their camera and left it at the hotel :( However, I almost feel like that may have been a blessing. Amy kept reminding me that I wasn't there to work, I was there as family. I truly got to enjoy the entire day with my family and create memories that we will treasure forever. I do want to share one cell phone image though of Rylan and Matt at the beach, just because it makes my heart happy.

 
The airport was totally different coming home than leaving home. No more nerves on Amy's part, and of course we brought home one extra traveler :)

I am sure he will think this blog is dumb. In fact, it will probably embarrass him a little. But I pray that when he is older and I am long gone, he can look back at this and see just how proud of a Marine Aunt he really had. Not just me, all of his family are super proud. He is back in California now to continue further training. I would like to ask you to remember him, along with the rest of the Marine's in your prayers.