M-5 (September 30)

Today the Matrix shows that the Marines have a Liberty Brief and "Sharing the Legacy."  From what I understand, these past few days the new Marines listen to speeches by former or current Marines that have really made a mark during their careers with the USMC.  They learn all about what it really means to be a Marine.  They learn about how to dress and act in public, how their hair should be cut, and to take pride in their new title of United States Marine.

We made it to San Diego and got checked into our hotel early.  Although I had wanted to go to a national monument, we were all so exhausted, we decided not to.  We did go to the Navy base in San Diego and met Shane Kennelly there.  It was good to see him again!  We had lunch and went to the commissary to purchase groceries for a picnic at Family Day tomorrow.  The kids went for a swim in the pool, while Joe rested since his back is out for yet another family function.

Oh, while I was at the pool, I ran into two other families that have Marines graduating on October 2nd.  Their Marines are in different platoons, but it was nice to meet them.  We also went to the Meet and Greet set up by the Facebook group, but really didn't meet many people there.  The rooms were so crowded we ended up in the regular part of the restaurant.  By then we had met up with Heather and Rob, so our family was nearly complete.  The only one missing was Jeremiah, and we'll see him tomorrow.