Rallying around our soldier

We departed my cousin's house on Dec 15th and headed East to a small town called Raeford, to see Matt, who is stationed in the Army at Ft Liberty.

The first task at hand was to get permission to get on base and hit up the commissary. It was similar to the one in San Diego, however since North Carolina's prices are much lower than San Diego, the prices were at an even bigger savings! We stocked up for the 12 days that we'd be in the AirBnB, 6 days with Matt and Casey would be joining us for the last 6.

The following day we went to go play miniature golf. It was fun to get out and do something outdoors, for we continue to have nice weather even if winter is approaching. Doug won but not by a long shot, for Matt and I tied close behind.

It only made sense that the next day we'd level up and hit some balls at the driving range. Matt recently got into golf and Doug has played over the years. It was fun to see them practice for their upcoming golf match with two of Matt's friends from his platoon. I've never been one to sit and watch, so I took a few swings for the sport of it all.

The next day we toured a museum about the Army. I soaked up being there with Doug and Matt. We are both so proud of him and all that he's accomplished during these past 4.5 years. He's learned so much and grown from this chapter in his life and yet is still the fun and easy going guy I met 9 years ago, the night I met Doug.

The next day which was Wednesday, the guys headed out for the golf course while I ran some Christmas related errands and hit up an AA meeting in Fayetteville. The moment I walked into the meeting, I immediately noticed the smell of stale smoke lurking in the air. I asked the woman who was already seated if this was a smoking meeting and she replied 'not today. You can only smoke on days that begin with T's and on Sunday's.' Needless to say, I didn't go back but the content of the meeting was really wonderful and of course the people are always salt of the earth folks.

I

came

home and

whipped up our

creative Christmas

tree made out of tissue

paper and a plant from the

house for the top, along with a

foam

roller

for a

trunk.

Casey arrived on the evening of the 21st. During our time together we; went shopping, played whiffle ball and smash/pickle ball in the backyard. Spent lots of time at home which gave Doug and I a chance to take in a few flows on our mats upstairs.

We went bowling on one of

the last days together and

that evening they surprised

me with a birthday cake & cards.

It was very thoughtful as

having a birthday on the 28th

makes for a busy time to

squeeze in anything else.

Off to Yemassee, South Carolina we go! Next blog includes my actual birthday and probably the funniest or gnarliest story yet, depending on how it hits ya.

When you can be anything in the world,

Be Kind,

Shari