Saturday, March 24, 2012

Vacation Day Two: At Ease, Marine

So day two of the trip, we drove from Wilmington to Jacksonville where my brother is stationed. But not without our morning coffee…

Friday1

Ben has been deployed for the last year and I have missed him so, so much. So nice to see him back on U.S. soil.

Friday2

The day was particularly special because it was Mom’s birthday. Look how pretty she is…

Friday2

After a few excruciating hours at the DMV switching titles and registration for Benjamin’s car, we took a local recommendation for a little Caribbean restaurant called Elsa’s.

Newsletter

The food was saltier than I’m used to but I loved all the fresh vegetables and rice!

Friday8

Ben escorted us on base and we got a peek inside his barracks. I realize Marines are pretty much required to be neat and orderly but it was still a shock to see his room so clean. He played and sang a few songs for us, too, and it made me pretty nostalgic for our childhood. Sometimes I just stare at him and can’t believe how grown up he is.

Friday5

But then I see his dirty combat boots and I remember that not only is he an adult now but he’s in a dangerous and demanding line of work. Not going to lie…I got a little choked up when I saw these.

Friday3

And his dress cover which I think is just so pretty. He rolled his eyes at me but I got him to put it on for about thirty seconds that afternoon.

Friday6

It was about a four hour drive to Cape Hatteras that night but soooo worth it. Can’t wait to show you THOSE pictures on Monday!

If you have siblings, are you ever just blown away by their talents and abilities? Ben never ceases to amaze me.

love, elizabeth

7 comments:

Faith said...

Your mom is beautiful!

It is true, sometimes I see my little sister with my nephew and I cannot believe what an amazing mom she is!! I still think she is little until I see her with my nephew. It always surprises me.

Tell your brother, thank you for me.

Sarah said...

So glad your brother is back!
The guys always look so handsome in their dress uniforms!

Alex Byer said...

Oh my gosh, I can't get over how much you and your mom look alike! I can't get passed it!!

Alana said...

How awesome to see him after a year! I can hardly read anyone's homecoming story without getting all teary-eyed.

Courtney said...

Love that you had a great visit! And your mom is beautiful! ;)

S. Donald said...

You have a beautiful family!

To answer your question, my younger brother announced as an aside one Thanksgiving that he had published a book he wrote and sales were going pretty well, and he had also had a manuscript ready but didn't think he was going to do anything with it. That really blew me away!

Kate&Garrett said...

Stunning pictures, as always. It cracks me up that the same pair of dirty boots graces my bedroom floor most days, and it never fails to touch my heart when I see pictures of their boots, covers, cammies, whatever. I don't know if it's pride, love, obsession or all of the above, but it's pretty awesome.

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