I have been in the "field" for over a week now.
I call home each night and talk to the boys and DH if only for a few minutes. When work gets to me and I am stressing a little too much then I like to call them because they keep me focused on what really matters.
With that being said, when SS9 doesn't want to talk, I take it personally and I know I shouldn't. He doesn't understand how I feel but I am most likely looking too much into his feelings. It is so devastating though.
SS11 asked me if I was bringing home a souvenir in a very polite and sneaky manner ... I told him "unless you want a dead animal, I don't see what else I could bring home with me."
He wants an MRE - Meal Ready to Eat. It is like 2000 calories worth of food in a big plastic bag thing and Soldiers eat them in the field. It has the right amount of vitamins etc to sustain you.
SS11 just thinks they are cool
I won't be surprised if SS11 joins the military one day. He is a patriot in his heart, a pacifist, and needs routine to be happy.
His dad won't like it if he does though.