Kyle's Promotion Ceremony

I know that a lot of you have seen these photos shared on social media over the last few days but I would be remiss if I did not blog about such a special event. As you all know Kyle was officially promoted to Major last week. We found out in November that it was happening this month and we immediately began working out the logistics of it. I wasn't able to be there when he was promoted to Captain so I wanted this day to be special for him. I am so incredibly proud of him and all that he has accomplished in his military career. 

We knew that there was only one person that we wanted to preside over and promote Kyle. BG LaNeve and his family have been in our lives for 10 years (Kyle has worked for him at 3 different posts). He has mentored Kyle his entire career and his wife, Kim, has done the same for me. Along with their two kids, they have become more like family. It took some working out but we were thrilled when everything fell into place and they both flew to Kansas to be here for this day. 

The best thing was that he also promoted Kyle to 1LT. While we were changing Kyle's shoulder boards this time, I leaned over and said to him, "I feel like we have done this before." It was special.

(November 2008)

I'm not going to the lie the day of the ceremony I was a bit stressed out haha. The ceremony was at 2pm but I needed to be there by 1pm (Kyle wasn't done with class until 12:20) to set up at the library and get everything taken in for the reception. I picked up the cake and the food and hightailed it back to post. Thankfully, Kyle's classmates are amazing and helped so much. 

However, once everyone started showing up the excitement kicked in. We were so thrilled that so many friends made the time to come. Quite a few from various assignments are here now and it was awesome having them. One of the highlights was Kyle's 1SG from when he was a company commander was there. She drove 2 hours to be there for the ceremony and it meant so much. 

I was able to set up a computer in the library to live stream the ceremony on FB so family and friends who are far away could watch. It was wonderful having our families "there". E did so good, she wandered around the room and interacted with everyone. Kim ended up holding her for a good portion of the ceremony because she wanted nothing to do with me haha.

E was ready for the ceremony!

I hadn't seen Kim in almost a year and it was amazing to see her. 

 BG telling stories

 This photo will always make me laugh. He is telling an infamous story about Kyle walking our little dog with a pink leash when he was a 2LT haha.

 I think at this moment he said that they keep Kyle around because of me haha (his words not mine)

 Publishing the orders.

 Putting on his new shoulder boards!

 Love this photo!

 Reciting the Oath

 E is ready to get her flowers!

Kyle and his former 1SG.

 The cake was a huge hit! I wish I had taken a photo of the inside, Kyle requested funfetti and that's exactly what he got haha.

We are beyond grateful for these two and all they have done for us.

I love this family of mine! <3

It truly was an amazing day and one that we will never forget. 

*Credit for the photos goes to the amazing Liz Perez from Liz Perez Photography*