Perfect

Today was the perfect start to our Veteran's Day Weekend.   Kate, (who was born on Richard's first Veteran's Day), turned 4 and Richard officially pinned on the rank of LTC.

74 degrees

Sunny 

Perfect

I changed out the rank on his uniform.  Hanson Ellis changed out the rank on his beret.  

The vows ... this is where I tear up:).  So humbled by the heart of my soldier!

And here, one of my most favorite people.  Retired General Anthony J. Tata.  He was one of Richard's very first Battalion Commanders at the 82nd Airborne Division.  I've never seen anyone work as hard as he did ... with as much dedication as he had ... and he had the most compassionate heart for the families, too.  When Richard was in Afghanistan, Gen Tata met him for lunch one day.  He gave him two coins ... one for him and one to bring home to me.  I keep mine in my van where I see it daily.  It inspires me to continue to "be all I can be."  Gen Tata is a true leader ... an amazing American ... and, I am honored to call him a friend.  When I got his email this morning saying he was flying in from DC, I squealed like a school girl:).  Thank you so much for squeezing our little family into your day.  Your support of our family just symbolizes perfectly your support of every single family serving in the Armed Forces.  Gen Tata, you are inspiring and simply amazing.  This country is a success because of people like you!

Above, Parker, Hanson Ellis and their Aunt Rina.

Below, the birthday girl.

The Davenport clan (part of it).  Richard's Dad was a Major. His Uncle John retired a COL.  His Aunt Judy will retire a COL this December.  

My sweet girls.  

There Daddy took a vow to continue to voluntarily defend our country.  

They piled rocks in the nooks of a tree.  

And Kate.  Oh Kate.  

I wonder if she'll remember pulling her socks up this way:).