Black Friday

Today is what they call "Black Friday". This is the day Chris will meet his Drill Instructors and moves into his new home. The real stress begins after this move. He will have to learn a lot in a very short period of time and everything is a yell from them and the Drill Instructors. This is where the transition from recruit to Marine begins, this day.

Here are some of the things the guys will learn over the weekend: how to set up their lockers, how to fold and hanger their clothes (imagine that!), how long they have in the mornings to shower and shave, how to wear their uniforms, and the language of the Marine Corps. They will learn what a hatch is, what the quarterdeck is and what happens on it. Most will get first hand knowledge of Incentive Training or IT and that is something they will try very hard to stay away from. They will learn how to clean the house and make the beds the Marine Corps way. This is where the whole thing begins. (This information was obtained from a person (Nedsdad) who posts on a really cool website called marineparents.com.)

Please send good vibes Chris's way! He needs all the support he can get. (I still don't have his address.)

And So It Begins

Chris left yesterday. Brad and I saw him get sworn in and he had a 9pm flight to San Diego. We thought we would get a phone call last night letting us know he arrived safely. I heard they give the recruits a script to read and it is just about a 15 second phone call but he didn't call. They also say, "No news is good news," so I guess I'll hang on to that.

Today is Chris's 19th Birthday. Happy Birthday Chris! Gee, all he got for his birthday this year was a new haircut.

1 day down, 87 to go.

One Week More!

Well, the party was fun and the Cardinals are in the Super Bowl! Thanks to everyone who came to see Chris off in high fashion.

Chris spent Monday night at a hotel (courtesy of the USMC) and was transported to MEPS downtown Tuesday morning for final processing. Brad and I went to see Chris get sworn in. We were there most of the day doing the Hurry Up and Wait thing. About 3pm, we were notified there was a paperwork issue and Chris would not be shipping off until next Monday - the 26th. Talk about a roller coaster of emotion! Anyway - we are thankful for an additional week with him but he was really ready to go. Oh well, another week of video games and "Mom, can I borrow the car?" Thank you, Lord!

Welcome Everyone!

We want to welcome you to our blog. We hope to use this site to keep our family and friends updated about our son Chris's adventure in Marine Boot Camp and beyond. During the first few weeks, we may not get much information. Right now, we are concentrating on his Farewell Picnic being held this weekend. After that, on Tuesday, Jan. 20th, we'll be watching his swearing-in ceremony and saying Goodbye!

So check back once in a while for new posts. Feel free to add comments, questions and anything else you wish. Please post any good jokes you hear as we'd like to include some in our letters to him. If you would like Chris's address to write to him, let us know and we will e-mail it to you (once we receive it in about two weeks.)

Here we go!

Kelly & Brad