How are your Doolies doing during the Dark Ages?

[BBL2025]

Emotions seem to be all over the place these days! Recognition is around the corner but February seems REALLY LONG! How are your Doolies doing?

 

[Dad_2024]

My DS is doing okay. I took his younger brother (HS senior) for a weekend visit a couple of weeks ago, spent Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon hanging out. We did a donut drop for his squadron on the Saturday afternoon which went over very well. He sounds good on the phone, and is looking forward to recognition and a trip with a classmate over spring break. He mentioned a squadmate who wasn't fairing as well but is getting good support from squad leadership and his squadmates.

 

[BBL2025]

My DS is doing okay. I took his younger brother (HS senior) for a weekend visit a couple of weeks ago, spent Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon hanging out. We did a donut drop for his squadron on the Saturday afternoon which went over very well. He sounds good on the phone, and is looking forward to recognition and a trip with a classmate over spring break. He mentioned a squadmate who wasn't fairing as well but is getting good support from squad leadership and his squadmates.

Same here. Wasn't sure if a visit would help or make it worse? DS loved the boxing in January, said it was a great place to take out some stress! Can't say I enjoyed the black eye and bloody nose Squadron change next year was a twist, nothing like keeping them on their toes. Most of his squadron is still there, hasn't mentioned any processing out. We will see him for spring break, that is if he wakes up at any point during the week!!

 

[2025 hopeful]

DD seems to be doing well. I think her sport keeps her busy and focused.

DD did mention they were losing another doolie in her squadron. They lost a few, but it seems they are the people DD likes best in the squadron. She was a little bummed, but rolling with the punches. I think she's focused on the horizon for recognition in a few weeks and looking forward to some of her own clothes.

She was a little nervous for boxing, but was happy she was not going to have it until her season ended. She heard it was hard to get an A in boxing, unless you really "kill your opponent". Her words were I just want to do what I have to do to win, but don't want to injure my opponent. We'll see how that goes after recognition...

It's nice that you can for out for visits. Between the logistics of child care and cost of flights, we are limited to parent's weekends. The family is looking forward to her coming back for spring break though.

 

[BBL2025]

DD seems to be doing well. I think her sport keeps her busy and focused.

DD did mention they were losing another doolie in her squadron. They lost a few, but it seems they are the people DD likes best in the squadron. She was a little bummed, but rolling with the punches. I think she's focused on the horizon for recognition in a few weeks and looking forward to some of her own clothes.

She was a little nervous for boxing, but was happy she was not going to have it until her season ended. She heard it was hard to get an A in boxing, unless you really "kill your opponent". Her words were I just want to do what I have to do to win, but don't want to injure my opponent. We'll see how that goes after recognition...

It's nice that you can for out for visits. Between the logistics of child care and cost of flights, we are limited to parent's weekends. The family is looking forward to her coming back for spring break though.

DS said he had a "strategy" for his matches but "it all goes out the window the fist time you get hit! Hope they all hang in there, the end is in sight and the future it BRIGHT!

 

[Just Dad]

Re Visits: We did a bunch (7-9) of em while DD was at USNA. DW and I would alternate visits; fewer hassles with work, house, dog care Etc.. It also kept the cost of trips down when just one of us went. We are on the west cost, so we'd hit 3day weekends to justify the expense.

Land in BWI and overnight in Annapolis on Friday. Extract DD, then Hotel in DC Sat-Sun. DD got to sleep in a "real bed", watch some TV w/o people watching her. She could order any food she wanted off a menu/s, and see a few DC museums/exhibits. Back to Annapolis on Monday with provisioning stops at WholeFoods and Bed Bath Beyond. These were GREAT TRIPs. DD liked having 1 parent all to herself, and she was much more "open" with just one parent on these trips. Her 1C year DD volunteered that our trips out for long weekend visits had made the USNA slog much easier for her. For DW and I, it gave us a stronger connection with DD on what was to that point, the greatest journey of her life; that part is still paying off 2years out from graduation.

I know some parents aren't financially able to make a trip/s like this. In which case; I have the highest respect for you and your child's accomplishment in swinging a USNA appointment with fewer resources to work with. Pausing to think what to say here,----- Wow! Truly, Wow.

For those that can swing even a single parent trip, even just one time while they are at the academy; Highly Recommended!

 

[TLR2025]

Emotions seem to be all over the place these days! Recognition is around the corner but February seems REALLY LONG! How are your Doolies doing?

Surprisingly well. My DH visited our DS this past weekend. He looks good. He sounds good. He likes traditions and is looking forward to the shenanigans this upcoming weekend.

My DH was able to drop off the recognition box to Arnold Hall without DS knowing. Three weeks from today and recognition is under way!!!!