Oh Happy Day!

Anyone who knows me, knows that the last 6 months of my life have been wrapped up in this event... the day of all days for my family. Rich was sworn into a California Sheriff's department in front of our whole entire- super proud- family. We have all, in our own ways, tried to support and encourage his dream of being a law enforcement officer, but in the end- he did the work. He made his dream come true and I am thrilled. It is a true blessing to work in a job that makes you feel happy, challenged, and fulfilled. He has that.

And just between you and me... he looks great in uniform! (;

Thanks to our Tafoya & Reagin family who traveled from New Mexico for the event.

These cousins could pass for siblings any day. So cute!

Eli wore his uniform so that he could participate in saluting the flag as a man in uniform... just like his dad.

My sister & Rich's brother- that is pretty cool if you ask me.

Take a look at the bottom of the picture and you can see Eli. He was so excited when Rich walked out to be badged, that he ran down to the stage to cheer him on. He wanted Rich to look at him so badly as he called, "Daddy! Daddy!", but Rich had to be at full attention- his eyes straight ahead. After a couple seconds Eli goes, "awww, come on and look Dad". The first couple rows started cracking up and we have since had so many people say how cute it was to see a little boy so proud of his dad.

The icing on the cake-

As any boy does, Rich has always looked up to his older brother, Ryan. So what better moment to share with an older brother than a long-awaited accomplishment.

So the "icing" for Rich was having his brother- a sergeant for the department in New Mexico- pin on his badge in his formal ceremony. I don't think that there was a dry eye in our family. It was so special.