This was by far the most difficult thing I have ever had to go through as a parent.  Watching my first born walk through the airport and go through security before heading off to Army Basic Training was excruciating.  Landon had never been away from home for any extended amount of time.  During this time, we could only write letters and wait for our weekly phone calls every Sunday.  And that's if they didn't get into trouble.  Landon never did, but the whole group suffers if one person messes up.  I cried something awful as I watched him gather his things.  He gave us our goodbye hugs, as usual, but seeing him cry like he did that day did something to me.  I have never seen him that upset and it made letting go so much worse, but I knew I had to.  

He did well during his training.  He passed his tests and excelled at everything he did.  We were patiently waiting to see him again.  The days were very long and the weeks even longer.  We managed to get better with time and my anxiety had calmed down quite a bit.  The unknown was scary.  I was always wondering if he was okay and making friends.  I had tons of questions.  Fitting them into such a short conversation every week was tough.  We could hear his drill sergeant yelling at everyone to hurry up in the background.  Landon learned to speak quickly and answered a lot of our questions.  It was definitely an experience that we weren't really used to.  All I did know is that I missed my son like crazy.  To hear him get choked up on the phone was heart wrenching.  I just couldn't wait for it to all be over and have him back home with us again.  

I'd like to say that it went by so fast.  It did not.  But I do remember waking up one day and realizing we get to see our boy very soon.   And then Basic Training graduation day was finally here!  We actually get to see him.  We get to hug him and tell him how much we missed him and love him.  We packed our bags and off we went to MO.  I was so incredibly excited.  We were all ready.  My in-laws went, too.  

Here are a handful of pictures that were taken during BT by their on-site photographer.  These are probably not going to be the best picture quality, but I love that I have them to keep for memories.

It's a difficult pill to swallow when you realize that you now have two teenagers.  Well, one legal adult.  Gah!  Just to think, in five more years, I'll have two adults, two drivers, and two kids living their own lives.  Okay, maaaaaybe.  We'll see how that goes when the time approaches.  That's just crazy, though. 

 Anyway, here we are, the big 13.  I wish I could say that older kids get easier.  They don't.  There is always something new that comes up and it's part of their growth and learning.  I'm just thankful that I don't have to deal with any serious stuff right now.  It could always be worse.  Liam has a girlfriend.  But, it's nothing serious.  They ride the bus together, say hi in passing or talk over messenger and that's about where it ends.  Hallelujah!  

He's a great kid.  We are very lucky to have him in our lives as he brings us so much joy and entertainment.  There are always going to be challenges along the way but it's to be expected given the circumstances.  He loves to play badminton and basketball, play dice or board games at home, play with friends, watch and make YouTube videos, chat on Discord, and spend quality time with us when he's not busy doing other things.  He's our world and we love him so much.  Happy birthday, sweetheart!

Landon and his friends planned one last sleepover before he headed off for the Army.  He knew he wasn't going to see his besties for a loooong time.  They are all really good kids.  Quite a few of them aren't pictured because they couldn't make it that night due to work or other obligations.  These kids have been the absolute best to my boy.  I couldn't have picked better kids out myself, honestly.  They all have a lot of things in common and good, strong heads on their shoulders.  I really hope they continue their friendships down the road because I adore these humans!