Independence Day

July 4th was a great weekend of celebration!  We had Andrew home and we were celebrating our country's freedom.  What a great way to welcome Daddy home!  However, most of our celebrating was done inside just spending time together.  We didn't even do fireworks.  It was enough to just spend time playing and being together this year.  Hope everyone had a great Independence Day weekend and that you had the opportunity to thank a military member for our freedoms!

Daddy's Home!

Andrew finally made it home, after an excruciating 5 day journey back, and we have been enjoying all being together again.  It always takes some adjustment to fall back into routines but it seemed easier this time probably due to a 60 day instead of 120 day deployment. 

This was where Andrew slept and all the things we sent him to remind him of how much we love him.  The room he shared with Slammer was about the size of our bathroom but he was always thankful for a dark, cool place to sleep when he could.  I think he only had one day "off" while he was there and that was only because of trying to schedule crew rest.

My handsome husband ready for a mission.  Still does something to my heart to see him in uniform!

He arrived back home very early in the morning.  So we arrived before dark to pick him up.  Michael and Mary Ellen were troopers though, and so excited to finally see Daddy!!  I have video of the actual reunion that I'll have to add later.  Seeing them run across this field yelling, "Daddy, Daddy" was priceless!

Mary Ellen modeling the shirts we had made for Daddy's return..."My Daddy is My Hero"!

Michael and Mary Ellen looking happy and content sitting with Daddy.

WELCOME HOME DADDY!