Until Saturday morning, we felt like a jigsaw puzzle that was missing a crucial piece. Due to school and football commitments, Derek stayed back here until the weekend. We were extremely thankful for the hospitality of friends and family! He flew out early Saturday, and we all met Jake at the AF football game.

Jake was quite happy to reunite with his brother/buddy.

He’s been working at recruiting his brother ever since arriving at school.

The game was fun to watch–the cadets have all sorts of goofy traditions. One such tradition is that each doolie (freshman) switches one shoulder board with an upperclassman. Jake needed some assistance from Grandma.

Ruthie showed her allegiance to the team with some face paint.

Lots of meals shared together! We were grateful to have found a quiet room off the hotel’s lobby where we could gather.

Sunday morning, we went to church at the USAFA chapel. It was nice to see where Jake had attended church during basic training when he had to stay on campus.

Before heading in, the skies were threatening rain. As we sat inside, it poured, and by the time we walked outside, the sun was shining.

We took advantage of the sun and the fact we were all together to snap some family photos.

Next, we walked around Jack’s Valley, where Jake spent the second part of basic training. Though it was the most difficult thing he’s ever done in his life, Jake loved his time there and was eager to share it with us.

While the basic cadets marched the 5.5 mile route back in July, this time we rode a comfy bus.

The beginning of the assault course:

We kept saying that it was like a giant playground–the kids climbed every obstacle they could.

We adults even had fun.

Jake was full of stories from beginning to end, and also took much time to instruct his siblings on how to get through the various courses.

When we returned to the main campus, we took a walk down memory lane, as Derek saw the same planes he had posed next to during our visit to USAFA 11 years ago!

Finally, we went back to Jake’s dorm room so Derek could see it. Squadron 22 are the Raptors:

Like all of us, Derek enjoyed trying on gear.

The two days we were all together as a family flew by in the blink of an eye. It was so sad to say goodbye to Mom, Dad and Derek Sunday night. But at least they left us laughing as they sped off in their rental Dodge Charger!