Top Gun Graduation

Jack and I returned from Fallon/Reno, Nevada last night.

My lifelong friend/childhood neighbor, Ashley, babysat the kids for 3.5 days. It was the first time Jack and I had a "getaway" since both kids have been born and it was sooo nice! I showed up and Jack had made me a couple of CD's and a sweet letter to go with them! He also surprised me with some gloves and a hat because apparently I had no clue how cold it was going to be. When I arrived it was -19 degrees. When we left yesterday it was 34 degrees. That almost a 55 degree difference! Amazing! It was fun to see snow, though, so I was thrilled.

It was an experience to see "TOPGUN"! You couldn't bring your cameras or cell phones inside the building (but I did get to take some pictures during graduation). On day one, we toured the building and listened to a 3.5 hour talk from a Fighter Ace from Vietnam. In order to be an Ace pilot, you have to have 5 or more enemy kills. Even though it was VERY long, it was really interesting. That night, the Top Gun students, instructors, and any one else who had earned the Top Gun patch went into a private room to perform skits and receive their patch and drink...alot. This is also known as the patching. "Outsiders" aren't invited in because it's pretty politically incorrect and they don't want to offend anyone. I hung out with the wives at the bar. When they all came out, it was really exciting because they were all so happy to have their patches. It was a fun night.

The next morning was the graduation. It wasn't as "dressy" as I would have thought a Top Gun graduation to be, but it was nice. We left town after that and got a nice room in Reno. We did a little shopping, and then relaxed in the hotel room and got room service.

It was sooo nice to get some alone time with Jack. I felt like we were dating again and that felt good. I did miss the kids, but I would certainly go on another trip with my husband again!