Navy Promotion

We are very proud of Karl, for he is now a Lieutenant Commander. This is the first promotion that he has out right earned, the others come automatically after two years (if you don't screw up). He was promoted on his first screening. We have several friends who are OUTSTANDING officers for the US Navy and they didn't get promoted in either of their two screenings; therefore they will no longer have a job in the Navy. So, we are extremely proud of Karl and glad the Navy appreciated all his hard work and rewarded him.

Karl was screened 15 months ago. Yes, he was told he was going to promote FIFTEEN months ago. So, you know we have been looking forward to THIS day for a long time, basically as long as Elli has been alive. Immediately Karl starting talking about his desires to have Brady and Reese 'pin' him (for my non-military friends, that means they change the pins that show his rank during the ceremony, it is a great honor).

We discussed this great duty with the girls about a month in advance (due to Karl's pending travels out to sea). Brady knew almost immediately she wanted to wear a khaki dress to match daddy. Let me you, stores do no make Khaki dresses for little girls, unless you buy the standard school uniform. I did find the perfect dress on Amazon, then Reese just had to have the dress too.

I 'bedazzled' the dresses with miniature versions of Karl's aviator wings and his ribbons (again non-military friends, these show the awards he has earned throughout his career; some bigger deals than others). Needless to say, the outfits were a hit. Brady even asked to have her hair put up to confirm to uniform regs.

Again, non-military friends, look at Karl's lapel, the two silver bars are the rank/insigna he wore when he was a Lieutenant. 

Okay, I am letting the girls steal the show once again ;) Back to my awesome hubs...

Karl repeated the officer oath with his admiral.

Then the girls removed his lieutenant bars. 

 Then the oak leaf insigna was put in its place. Brady did it so fast I didn't catch it on camera.

 I just love Brady's stance as she monitors her little sister.

 The girls walked away after pinning Karl, a little intimidated by the formality of the ceremony. I quietly told them to go hug daddy. What a sweet moment unfolded from there. Can you just see the pride in Karl's face, proud to be an Lt. Cdr and proud to be a daddy. I am glad he so effectively balances these two hefty roles.

And to make things official... biting his lips in concentration

We are very proud of you, Karl! Congrats!

Reese's face in all the family shots do not accurately relay her attitude. She was happy being there. She just doesn't like all the officers looking at her as she gets her picture taken.