Olivia! Olivia!

No, I am not referring to the kids show, but I am referring to Dru's cousin O, who is now a United States Marine! Olivia graduated as a Private First Class {I guess I am writing that correctly} today! We are so, so proud of her. She had over 30 family and friends in attendance for her graduation on Parris Island, SC. I love Olivia. My kids love Olivia. Dru loves Olivia, and claims to be her favorite cousin. I have been a big Olivia fan for over 10 years now, when I met her as a little girl. I love our time hanging out in the summers and when we make the trip down to Clermont. She is a great girl! I love how close this family is. That so many people wanted Olivia to know just how proud we all are of her, by making the trip to see her graduate! And those that couldn't be there were thinking of her all morning! 12 weeks of grueling training, mentally and physically. I could NEVER survive that, I'll be the first to admit and I know a lot of others would admit the same! But Olivia persevered, and now she is a Marine! Simms and I would pray for her every morning on the way to preschool the past 12 weeks, for mental and physical strength, and I know so many others were praying for her as well! Dru, Simms and I made the trip to SC last night. We were all up and out of the hotel headed for the graduation ceremony by 6:15 this morning. It's been a full 24 hours, but we wouldn't have missed it! After the impressive graduation, our big group headed to Savannah for a delicious lunch at The Lady and Sons Restaurant. Delicious! Congratulations Olivia! We are all so proud of you!

just a portion of our cheering section for Olivia. A lady behind us asked, "y'all are ALL here for one Marine?" Yes ma'am we are!

The wonderful band! They even played Santa Claus is coming to town before the ceremony started. Simms loved that!

Platoon 4040, PFC C.O. Pool's Platoon

So excited to finally hug her neck!

A VERY proud family!

Mrs. Lil, Aunt Katherine, Aunt Fran..3 close and fun sisters!

Simms loves Olivia!

And so does Dru! Dru was determined to make it to her graduation!

OUT on the way home. She was going on 3.5 hours of sleep. She slept on the way to SC last night, then was wide awake when we tried to transfer her to our room. She had to be up by 6, but she did great I think. She was tired at lunch and then slept great the whole way home. It was a great experience and opportunity for her, so I am glad she went with us! Cope stayed with my parents and I missed him like crazy, although he thoroughly enjoyed being an "only child" for 24 hours!

We are so proud of you Olivia!