Our whole trip was not all work....

After two hard days at the museum, I was due some R&R (Recreation and Rough Housing). So we went back to Grandmaunt Coleen's house (Base) were I met up with two of my fellow cousins. We enjoyed a swim and then a ride around the grounds. Well, at least I enjoyed the ride. 

Me, Zach and Jacob

Awww a nice cool pool.

It is a long swim to the other side.

We are just goofing off.

Me helping Jacob back to the shallow end.

We were hot wiring a car and Evan thought it turned on.

Nope he gets to push with Dalton.

It is a Dalton powered car.

I added an extra Evan generator, it was a lot faster.

 

At least now you know why I said I enjoyed the ride.

Another day in the Museum, it was like no other

There I was, back at the museum. Never thought I would see the place again, but there I was staring at it. And we just walked right by and went out to the parade field to watch the 198th Infantry Brigade Graduate from Infantry Advanced Individual Training. I did not know it, but next month, will be 25 years, yes, I said, "25 Years" since Daddy first graduated as a freshly minted raw/ green young Infantryman (11B). So he wanted to watch. I only lasted 15 minutes and then we went to the museum.

 

The reviewing stand was filled with 1,000 of Daddy friends.

In order to graduate they had to survive a gas attack. No just kidding, but they used smoke and machine guns to welcome them onto the field.

The Brigade marching in mass onto the field.

The Drill Sergeant Color Guard in the center.

 

We then found ourselves at our objective. The simulation center, where I would again take my HMMWV and crew into a tough raw video game.

Only problem is, they were closed.

 

However, since I was there yesterday and so darn cute, the ladies remembered me and I got invited in early during the set up. And, no kidding I got 30 minutes free just driving and shooting. Now I know why the Army gets up so early, Freebies!

Since it was only me, I had to command, drive and gun and you know what I did it.

The back view.... reaching for my Frag.

It was a lot fun and I did really good.

Here I am engaging the helicopter.

 

Since we were at the Infantry Museum, which is on Fort Benning, we of course went and visited Grandma and Grandpa Collins.

LTC (R) Arnold Collins, that is where the Arnold comes from in my name. Not sure if I ever told you that.

And of course, the wonderful woman who pushed him the whole way.... Kathleen Collins.

 

Now if you think I got to sleep after the mission and visit, you are wrong, it was not even 1000 hours and you know the Army waste more time before 10 AM than most people do all day.

A guys day at the Museum, the first day!

Really, you thought Daddy would take me to an Art Museum? It did have art and other things in it, but we went to the National Infantry Museum. I was here before, when I was like seven months old. Then I was only allowed to shot the rifles. This time I got to do a lot more. We travelled to Columbus to celebrate my 3rd Birthday with family.  Daddy and I made a weekend of it. It was some high quality guy time, a Father and Son day and Daddy said it was all tax deductible, because it was a business trip.  

Me in front of the Iron Mike statue at the front entrance. The Iconic Infantrymen saying "Follow Me"!

In the Global War on Terrorism Hall, the 187th Infantry taking care of business.

Me taking care of business in one of the Combat Simulators. Daddy said I will grow into it.

I got one!

Since Mommy is going off to war, I wanted to dress up and see what the uniform and body armor felt like. They had my size uniform, but the body armor was a bit big.

Here I am running inside of a M-2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

Chow!

Meager Army rations, a hot dog and a fruit punch. It is all KBR had left.

Back on a mission. I was so good I was the driver and a gunner.

Had a new vehicle commander, but we still rocked

Got two and a helicopter this time.

After the HMMWV, I went old school, with a 12 pounder.

And after a hard day in the Museum I slept like a baby. Even though I am a big boy.

 

It was a really cool day, not sure who had more fun, Daddy or me, but the cool part is we did it together. Guess we are growing on each other now that I am potty trained.

 

When I went to bed, I never imagined I would be back in the Museum again tomorrow....

Me and bear, then and now!

Like the previous post said, Today is my Birthday. So Daddy had to come up with a way to show that I have grown. So we asked bear to find a picture of us from way back. All he could find was one from June 2011. That is like a long time ago, but at least Bear Kept the picture. Since then Bear has married, but we still remain friends.

 

Me and Bear when I was like 10 months old.

Me and Bear today. Who's little now?

It is ok, because I love you! Here is a bear hug.

Me frustrating Daddy, he keeps saying stand up....

Now Bear and Mrs. Bear will not stand up....

Yep, I find it really funny your trying to get a three year old to stand up!

 

Anyway, hope you enjoy Bear and my trip down memory lane.

It is my Birthday, the party was just a practice run....

As the title says, "Today is my Birthday". But, the party is just a practice one. Since Mommy is not here to make sure it is done right, she had Daddy do a practice party. You know, so I can practice saying cheese and thank you! And Daddy can remember cards, cakes, and presents. After all Daddy is getting old, he was a lot younger when I was born. We would not want to invite a lot of people and The Real Party not go perfect. So tomorrow we are headed North to Columbus, where my Real Party will be. Yes, I will remind Daddy to bring the Camera.

 

Here is the 4th shot, a perfect "Cheese".

Took three takes to get this right.

Take the picture all ready, gosh!

Practice present opening!

This is my thank you pose.

Mommy sent me a card.... got it in the mail today! Talk about timing, but you know Mommy she gave the Post Man very specific instructions.

It is a construction card, but what is the big 3 for? Just kidding, silly.

No more pictures I want the cake!

I can hardly wait, yummy.

That is just a good cake, but the real one will be super yummy.

It is a big piece, but Daddy was just practicing on the serving.

 

All in all I had a great practice party on my Birthday. I missed Mommy, but just like you she can see the blog. Yes, I know, remind Daddy to pack the camera. So if you got your invitation, we look forward to seeing you! And thank you Grandma and Grandpa Young for the card and gift.... Well Daddy told me there is a gift coming! And thank you Mommy for the practice party and bringing me into this world.