Never thought I would admit it, but shopping therapy did wonders for this Dad. Left my wife and rest of the family behind while bringing out our cadet candidate, so it can be a long lonely day when you are use to having the rest of the gang to hang with. A trip to the Cadet Chapel can help quiet the soul and if Fort Putnam is open - highly recommend a trip up there to walk around and experience some history and take in the great territorial views. You would be surprised how much time you spend chatting with other parents in lines, at the Brief, while waiting for the R Day Parade in the bleachers. Connecting with other parents can also prove to be very therapeutic on this emotionally charged day.
We kept it to immediate family - but that is really dependent on the health and closeness of other family members. We were glad we did as its tough to look after Grandma and Grandpa if they need a little extra attention on a day like that.
Definitely an emotionally charged day. This was our oldest, so it was hard to leave WP after that day, but we knew we were coming back on A Day. As emotional as R Day was, leaving on A Day was by far the most emotional. For R Day, it was almost as if we were dropping them off for camp - knowing you would be back in six weeks. Leaving after A Day - sheesh! Life was never going to be the same. That was one of the most emotional days of my life as a parent.