Stro's Commissioning

We are excited and I am proud to say that Strother has completed his one-year apprenticeship as a pilot, and is now officially commissioned!  It was an exciting month of November as it all came to an end.

First, on November 17, Strother and the other two apprentices got to bring their wives and parents to Baton Rouge to meet the governor, John Bel Edwards.  We met with him in the press room of the capitol, he spoke to each family individually, spoke to the group as a whole, and then even showed us his office!

Marshall, Eric, and Strother - the three apprentices

Three apprentices and the three commissioners, who were in charge of the apprenticeship

Stro and the commissioners

Apprentices, president of the association, and commissioners

Stro and Governor Edwards

Lily hung out with my mom and grandparents while we were at the capitol, and then we all met up for a late lunch at Drusilla Seafood, where Stro and I had our rehearsal dinner almost eight and a half years ago!

Love!

 

Emily was in town too, and I just love this picture of them!

 

The official commissioning was held on November 28 at the Westin Hotel in New Orleans.  It was simple, but very nice, with a few speakers and a steak dinner.  Afterwards, there was a party at Barcadia, and I was so happy with the number of friends who came out to support and congratulate Strother!

 

I wish I had pictures of Strother and his friends who came to the commissioning ceremony, he and his parents, and he and the other apprentices, but I let the professional photographer take care of all those!  Here are just a few:

 

Feeling fancy!

Bob, Jen, Ken, Josh, and Nikki

Almost our whole group!

 

Stro has been commissioned for about a month now and has taken 12 ships up and down the river so far.  We are loving the schedule and he is loving the job!