Vacation Time!!

After our whirlwind trip to South Bend, Mike and I spent a few days in The Windy City together. Of course we shopped, ate all of our favorite foods, and relaxed at the Treehouse. Most importantly, however, Mike got to check something off of his bucket list: see a Chicago Cubs' game at Wrigley Field!! The seats were awesome!! Even though it was a little chilly, the beers, hotdogs, and cheers from the fans kept us warm, or at least distracted.

The game was great! They went into extra innings and Cubbies finally won with a homerun by #16 Aramis Ramirez in the bottom of the 11th!! We saw the whole thing up close from our kick ask seats but unfortunately I didn't have my camera ready for the winning hit. I did, however, catch the winning run into home and the celebrating teammates.

Hey Chicago! What do you say? Cubs are going to win today!!

Mike went back to Okinawa for a week while I stayed State side. I got a chance to explore the city with a good friend Sarah Folks! Her husband was in Mike's squadron at Tyndall AFB in Panama City, FL. She was visiting family in Michigan and came over to visit for a few days. We spent a little time taking Japanese style photos at The Bean.

After another week with family, I flew to Maui, HI to meet Mike and a few other friends for another week of vacation. Instead of the chilly wind of Chicago, this time it was the sunny beaches and luscious green of Hawaii!!

(Left to right) Punk, Kendra, Shotgun, Me and Mike

We enjoyed a few cocktails at our hotel bar, the Grand Wailea before our only fancy meal for the week.

The rest of the week was spent at the pool laying out, going down water slides, up water elevators, finding our way into the swim-up bar, sitting at the swim-up bar, and making friends at the swim-up bar.

We stayed across the street from the main hotel in a pimped out condo!! It had a phenomenal view from the 2nd floor. The whole oceanside wall was glass doors the slid into the wall opening the entire floor to the sunset. We shared a few brews each night before beginning more shenanigans.

Let's be honest though. The only reason why we were able to enjoy this vacation in such style was because of a very important player. Kendra's mom works for Hilton and was able to get a GREAT friends/family deal for us.

Thank you to Gaye for helping us out!!! Without you, THIS would not have been possible!!

(The view from our condo kitchen and balcony!)

One day we took a long drive around the north side of the island along the Road to Hana. It was 5 hours of winding roads, steep cliffs, breathtaking views, literally hundreds of waterfalls, and the most beautiful jungles and beach you have ever seen!!

We stopped several times along the way to take pictures, see the sights, and take in the natural beauty. Kendra and Punk pose for a crashing shot!

We found black sand beaches with caves and cliffs to explore.

Mike and Punk even got a little adventurous and did some cliff diving!!!

(If you believe that about my husband, you're crazy!)

We even found some places to do some shopping. Mike is trying his hand at the ukulele.

Our last night on the island we went to a luau. It was different than most I've seen but still very entertaining! It also didn't hurt that the food was great and the booze was free!!

After the show, I had to get my picture taken with the fire dancer!! Cool picture but in real life he was a bit sweaty and smelled like propane.... But was a very talented artist.

After 6 days on this tropical island, we were ready to head back to our own tropical island of Okinawa!!

St. Mary's College Class of 2010

Mallory Glass graduated from Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN on May 15, 2010 and we were all there to witness the day's events!!

The day started a with her ROTC class commissioning at the Debartolo Performing Art Center at The University of Notre Dame. The ceremony started with the procession of all the important people, a few speeches, and a thank you to the parents. Then the important part: the Notre Dame ROTC cadets in the Class of 2010 stood and raised their right hands to recite the Oath of Office together and were officially commissioned into the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Air Force.

Following the group commissioning, each cadet was called on stage to receive a certificate and letter commemorating her completion of the ROTC program and official entering into active duty in the United States military.

Following the ceremony, the Notre Dame Air Force ROTC Class of 2010 posed for a picture.

Quickly we rushed from Notre Dame to St. Mary's campus for the 163rd Commencement Ceremony for St. Mary's College Class of 2010.

It was a beautiful day in South Bend, IN allowing for the ceremony to be held outdoors in front of the college's signature LeMans Hall. The graduates processed out of the building, through the crowd and into their seats up front. Mallory looked fabulous wearing her cap, gown, honor cords and six inch heels!!

The crowd was packed and the lawn was full. Thank goodness it was outside because it gave me the opportunity to walk around documenting the ceremony without disrupting anyone.

The Denlinger family, Andy, Emily, and Maggie found a shady spot in the back to spread out, have a picnic, and watch the event!

Maggie was nice enough to share her snack with me.

The rest of the Mallory Glass Cheering Section was located up front to get a good view of the action.

After several speeches from co-valedictorians, an honorary alumnus, and a commencement speaker, Mallory was finally called to the stage to receive her diploma!!

Of course, following the ceremony we had a family photo shoot at several locations on the campus, but these were my two favorites.

Mallory graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history.

We are all so VERY proud of you, Mallory!

You certainly excelled at SMC and enjoyed your time there as well!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Introducing....

2nd Lt. Mallory Glass

On May 14th, 2010 Mallory was commissioned into the United States Air Force. Friends, family, and Mallory's ROTC cadre and fellow cadets gathered at the edge of Lake Marion in a beautifully manicured garden on the campus of St. Mary's College.

On either side of the American flag stood Mallory and her brother, Michael, both in uniform. To begin the ceremony, Michael welcomed all who had gathered by speaking about Mallory's accomplishments both in and out of ROTC as well as his wishes for her in her future Air Force career. Following Michael, Mallory spoke to the crowd to thank them for their support, love, and memories.

Quickly following the speeches, they both raised right hands and Michael administered the Oath of Office.

Her parents, Michele and Mike, pinned her rank on either shoulder.

Uncle Larry pinned her rank on her cap.

This completes her uniform and shows all that she is now a 2nd lieutenant!!

The ceremony was complete with her first salute as an officer of the US Air Force!!

Following the ceremony, we spent at least an hour taking pictures.

Present were her bestest friends, 2nd Lt Elizabeth Mitchell and Emily Cook.

Family picture: Mike, Mallory, Michele and Michael

The Glass side: Michael, Me, Mike, Mallory, Pam and Prescott

The Uhl side: Andy, Emily, Mallory, Maggie, Larry, and Denise

Mallory, we are so proud of you, of what you have accomplished in ROTC and what you will do as an officer of the US Air Force. Congratulations on your commissioning!! We can't wait to see what you will do, where you will go, and the woman and officer you will become!