LeeAnn's Iraq Send Off

My step-sister, LeeAnn is being shipped off to Iraq in the beginning of November. Our family is so proud of her. She has been preparing for this day since she was 14 years old. I remember when we were younger, she was spending her summers in San Diego participating in the Junior Navy Seals program. LeeAnn graduated from the US Naval Academy in May of 2006. She is going to be greatly missed this holiday season.

My mom and step-dad Jim, have planned a family vacation to Mexico so we can all spend some quality time together. I decided to utilize this time and throw a party for LeeAnn on one of the nights. 

During the day, we are planning a deep sea fishing excursion. Once we are back on land, we will begin decorating for the nights festivities. All of the decorations will be red, white, and blue. Red, white, and blue streamers, balloons, plates, napkins, forks, and what ever else I can find that is easy to pack. For appetizers, we will serve red, white, and blue corn chips with salsa and guacamole. For the main course, we will tantalize our taste-buds with grilled shrimp and Spanish rice. Currently, we are trying to locate a bakery in the small Mexican town where we will stay.

If we can’t find one, we will bake dessert ourselves. After dinner, we will enjoy great conversation  near a bon fire on the beach. At that time, we will give LeeAnn a card that has been signed by most of the family. Even the family members unable to attend our Mexico trip. To top the evening off, fireworks will light up the sky. Hmmm… Maybe I could get those in red, white, and blue too. 

I’ll take lots of pictures and post them when we return. I really hope she has a good time at her party. I’m going to miss her during the holidays.