When we found out where Andrew would be going for UPT (pilot training), we decided to move onto base at Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, TX and rent out our home in North Carolina. We knew we would be moving into a smaller home, and I got to work purging as best I could before we moved. This was my first real attempt at decluttering, and I felt like we got rid of a LOT of stuff. Some of it was stuff we hadn’t even unpacked from our move from England in 2015!
We arrived at Laughlin AFB in October of 2016, just before Gerrit turned 2. Unfortunately, just a week (days? I don’t even remember) after we arrived and our household goods made their way to us, Andrew had to leave for a month of training in Colorado. So I was left with a house full of boxes and a busy toddler to chase after.
Our time in Texas ended up being my time to re-establish myself. Looking back, I felt like our time in North Carolina was me being in survival mode. I was probably still dealing with some post-partum depression, I was trying to find myself within my new role as “mama,” and I really never thrived there. I felt isolated at home with baby and then toddler, and I didn’t attempt to make friends or get established in Andrew’s squadron or the base. Before we moved to Texas, I vowed to myself that I would put myself out there more, make an effort to get to know the squadron and base, and make Laughlin our home.
Gerrit and I went to the playground near our house almost every day. We met neighbors, made friends, and found a good group to hang out with. I made a point of attending spouse events in Andrew’s squadron. Gerrit and I joined a play group that met regularly. While Andrew was busy training, Gerrit and I took road trips to visit family and friends in the Midwest. We also explored our local area and found some hidden gems in Del Rio, had a few fun weekends in San Antonio, and had a pre-baby #2 family getaway in Fredericksburg, TX.
Our 18 months in Texas proved to be so good for me and our family. I loved our little community, making friends who were living the same crazy pilot training lifestyle as us, exploring our local area, and rediscovering my love of road trips and traveling. I didn’t expect to be sad to leave, but Del Rio, TX will always have a piece of my heart.
On An Even Kiel 