We finally joined Erick

After driving for three days with three young children, we finally arrived at our destination. It was around midnight, and I was exhausted.

At the gate of the Army base, the security guard asked for my driver's license, car registration, and insurance card. I handed him the registration and license, but I could not find my insurance card. After digging for twenty minutes, I conceded that I had lost it. Too bad. The security guard would not let me enter without it.

I asked him if I could just give him my policy number and the phone number of my insurance company. He said no.

I asked him if I could have access to a computer to print out my insurance card. He said no.

I nearly broke down at that point. I told him that I had driven alone with three young children from Utah. I had been driving for three days. I told him that I have insurance, but that I cannot find my card. Could he please help me out?

He softened a bit and agreed to allow me to call my insurance company. He spoke to a rep. over the phone and verified my car insurance.

Finally, the guard let us through the gate. I drove to Erick's apartment. As soon as I saw Erick standing out in the parking lot, I broke down crying. I needed sleep, and I needed it badly.

By the next morning, (Saturday) all was well. Erick drove us around the base. We saw several tanks which excited TJ more than anything.

We went to the PX (Post Exchange) to do some shopping. Then we went to the park. There are a lot of really nice parks on base. The kids love being able to pick which park we will visit each day:

Bailey is learning to cross the monkey bars:

Saturday evening we had a barbeque with some friends, Bobbi, Eric, Jill, and Ryan. Eric and Ryan are in training with Erick. They had this barbeque to celebrate one year in the Army. Exactly one year ago all three reported to Basic Training.

**Bobbi (above, on the left) has been a lifesaver. She has shown me all over the base. She has played, shopped, and picnicked with us. She's great with the kids. She and her husband, Eric, have even had us over to their house to play the Wii. The kids loved it!

At the barbeque, my Erick decided to do some tree climbing:

 

Then, he and the other Eric (notice it is not spelled the same) helped the girls swing on tree branches. They had a blast!

TJ found a cone lying in the grass. He played with it almost the entire time we were there. Pure entertainment.