Christmas Party

We survived our first Christmas party of the season! This past weekend Adam had his National Guard Christmas party at the Kahler Hotel in Rochester, MN. The party started with a social hour, followed by a sit-down dinner, and ended with a speech from the unit's former Major General. Many toasts were made throughout the night to honor the National Guard, Freedom, the President and loved ones lost in combat. Toasts were made with their traditional "grog." A big kettle was filled with a mixture of alcohol and each soldier received a canteen cup full of the "grog." For example, long ago the unit stood fast to fight the Russians during the cold war, so Russian vodka was added, Saki was added for going to Japan during WWII, sand (brown sugar) for Iraq, etc. During a toast, all the soldiers had to stand, raise their cup, say their unit motto, and then drink...all of the up and down caused a button to pop off of Adam's uniform...haha....or maybe it was too much food and drinks...

We had a good time. I was honored to be in a room full of dedicated and brave soldiers. Although I hate the deployment aspect of the military, I really do enjoy everything else that comes with it. The haircuts, uniforms, manners, patriotism, stories, camaraderie, and closeness of families. I could definitely feel the love and pride being in a room full of 100+ soldiers and their families. There is nothing better you could give a military family for Christmas than for their solider to be home!

The "grog"

Adam and I after the party