We returned to Omaha last weekend to celebrate my brother's commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, his completion of the Army ROTC program, and his graduation from the Creighton University School of Law. It was a very busy, action-packed, family-focused weekend, and we were all so, so, so proud to have celebrated his achievements with the entire family present.
Our first event was the Commissioning Ceremony, held on campus, as Christopher participated in the Army ROTC program while a student at Creighton. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant - Military Intelligence Corps in the United States Army. He will be leaving in a few months to complete advanced training for his chosen field of Military Intelligence, saying a temporary good-bye to beautiful Omaha in mid-winter for the rigors of specialized education in horrible sunny Arizona.
I don't know if you've ever been to any sort of military ceremony, but they take things seriously. As in, if the program says 10:00 Commencement, you'd better be sitting and silent at 9:59. Wearing your Sunday best. And no excessive applause. I certainly appreciate the details, but the whole ceremony can be quite emotional, especially with all the flags, the oaths, the patriotic music, and the memories of all that has been accomplished. Christopher and fellow military man Matthew Wyatt (friend, classmate, colleague, godfather of second child) were awarded the American Legion ROTC Excellence Award and Medal for Cadets in General Military Excellence, although Matt took home the scholastic end of that award. Christopher's other Matt friend, Matthew Mortenson, provided his first salute.
Matt Wyatt, Christopher, Amanda, and the girls. Matt was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant - Armor/JAG in the United States Army. Matt took home several awards, including my favorite, the Physical Fitness Award for commitment to physical conditioning and consistent outstanding performance. He was also awarded the Superior Cadet Medal as the outstanding cadet in his academic class, among others. Matt will likely go on to do something great, and now that he's The Godfather, we can all keep tabs on him.
Matthew Mortenson and Christopher. Matt will be getting his dress blues sometime before 2014, I'm told. Matt and Christopher both joined the Army National Guard nearly a decade ago, while they were still in high school, and have served overseas together during that time.
I actually really like this photo, because it accurately sums up the events of the weekend (and life, really). Everyone stands around just doing their job while my mom flutters around, messing with the details. She's like a hummingbird; she can't sit still while there's work to be done.
Christopher and Amanda with Kennedy and Raleigh, now four months old.
This is another photo that accurately sums up the weekend. Whenever my side of the family gets together, it goes without saying that multiple cameras will be involved.
Our second event was the Conferral of Doctoral Hoods, which was held just for the graduating law class, and which took a surprisingly long time. Based on this ceremony, I would imagine that the world is graduating quite a few new lawyers. Anyway, the highlight of this event was that Christopher was selected from his class to receive the Severens-Mayer Award for Excellence in Mediation, which also came with a small cash bonus. It appears that being the middle child finally paid off.
Fortunately for everyone, and especially for those who did not plan ahead for the lengthy ceremony, a light dinner was provided.
Proof that Christopher did, in fact, finally finish school. And not only that, but he managed to pull off dual degrees (
Juris Doctor and
Master of Science in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution) all the while completing the ROTC program, remaining active in the National Guard, and bringing forth two babies. Maybe now you can get a little sleep.
The final event was the Creighton University Commencement, where Christopher finally got his chance to appear on the Jumbotron. It's quite fun to attend a graduation ceremony that serves nachos and giant pretzels to pass the time, although I would have preferred an outside beverage of choice.
Part II: Babies will be coming soon, but I've got to get my Art-a-Whirl on and Adam is staring me down.
An empty carboy awaits.....
......for T-can & Bearcat's Wheaten Beatdown. This beer tastes so strange. I brewed a week ago and decided to move it from my bucket to a carboy to free up my bucket and was able to sample a little. 1/2 of a wheat beer and 1/2 a pale ale; it's a little odd. I think it will taste great, but only a week old, it is hard to tell. Supposedly I will be able to bottle in a week, but will probably wait a little longer. 
I had to free up my bottling bucket so that I could start my hard cider. 
Kyle Allen already has the jump on me as far as cider-makin' goes, but I feel confident in my meticulous sanitation rituals. Prepared to be pwned, Pierce. No Mr. Higley can save you. 
