My summer vacation v 2

We flew to Norfolk.  In the oppressive heat.  All kinds of hashtags for this decision - poorplanning, morons, whatwerewethinking.   But other hashtags were goodfriends, retirement, celebration.  We had to go.

So we went.

Roy and Mary Kiddy retired from the Navy.  Roy working for Navy and Mary making sure that everything worked while Roy was working - long hours, deployed, moving - it's a long list.  I know this long list.  I lived it too.  But not with as much panache, creativity and gusto as Mary has.  She is a working mom of three amazing kids.  She has moved them too many times to even ask.  She makes every house a home.  You just feel it walking in.  And her kids are AWESOME  - like fun-to-be-around awesome.  How many juniors in high school and 8th graders can you say that about?

Paul was the guest speaker and talked about Roy .. and Mary.  He made everyone laugh a little, tear up a little and at the end of his speech, helped us all appreciate a really good person.   I got to take pictures.  Even in mind-numbingly oppressive heat, taking pictures is a blast.

Crazy accomplishments in his shadow box.  Look it up.

From Roy's Retirement

 

From Roy's Retirement

Paul, Roy and Roy's friend (benediction)

From Roy's Retirement

The Kiddys after the ceremony

From Roy's Retirement

Roy, Mary and Roy's mum (isn't she cute?)

From Roy's Retirement

The kids.  Can't be serious, even today.

From Roy's Retirement

I love this picture.  They love each other.

From Roy's Retirement

From Roy's Retirement

Oh and I think that I have recruited a new photographer. (this is Julia, helping take pictures with my D80)

From Roy's Retirement

We are back at it. Back to life after the Navy, thinking of the Kiddys and their next great, amazing, incredible, fantastic adventure. Knowing them, it will be a story worth living, and telling. We love you guys.