<p>We’re a USNA family. Our son wanted us to go to I-Day (we had not seen Annapolis before…at all… He is the only one that had been there (for NASS)) and he wanted to be able to take us around all over the Yard and the town. He also wanted to drive in every direction for 22nm just to see what the range really meant for his new “universe” that he would be able, some day, to enjoy. So, mom/dad/next oldest sister went. We went in a day early and toured all over. Got him there about 20 minutes before his report time, and didn’t see him again until the Oath (but that was <em>absolutely</em> the most moving thing I’ve experienced in a very long time, and that includes the birth of a grandchild…). I can’t say it was a cheap time (10 hours driving 1-way, hotels, food, etc), but it was very much worth it. PPW was also worth it. Fully. Same group went. Other than that, he’s come home to us on the three leave periods.
And, while some may try to admonish me to “take the family anyway”, he has asked us to “save our money” and not go to Herndon; he is hoping to have 0 Block, and very well may not be there. He knows our finances are very tight, and that Herndon would be a big $$ stretch. I’m reserving a hotel in case he ends up with 2nd block (he knows he has Block 1, and is in pre-season training for sports for Block 3). And, while he is “all about tradition” of USNA, he is absolutely fine with missing Herndon and Sea Trials (although I think it would be a blast to experience any of it, even if vicariously). He would much rather be on (in?) a sub in the Pacific, sliding along to foreign shores… He is chomping at the bit to have as many experiences in the Fleet as will be allowed, and just as quickly as he can get them.
We exchange a short phone call or short email about once every other week. It has been different, to be sure, to not be able to call/chat when one of us feels like it (our older three have all been either in civilian college, or went straight to workforce), but it has been enough.
Counsel as a family (personally, we also do a lot of praying), determine what works best for you, then forge on ahead with it and know that for the moment you made the decision, you made the best decision you could.
I agree with Navy2010. No regrets; with USNA you simply don’t have time to replay the “what ifs” and “why didn’t we’s”.</p>