Happy Homecoming!

I cannot tell you what an exciting and wonderful day we have had. I feel complete now. We are a happy family!
Rich's plane, they were getting ready to step off onto US soil for the first time. It was really hot and humid here and waiting for them we were starting to melt, but we didn't care, I got goosebumps when we saw his plane coming in and everyone started cheering.
Unloading the plane and getting into formation.
Almost ready to start marching in to the building.

Rich is the 21st soldier on the first row, click on this picture to enlarge. He is behind the tall African American soldier. We had 20 minutes with Rich here and then they loaded onto buses and went to brigade to turn in their weapons and get their bags. We were so happy when we could finally bring him home 3 hours later! Rich looks great and is pretty tired but in good spirits. It is great to hear his voice in the house, and he is loving being home. We are following him around and not letting him out of our sight! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and children! I couldn't be any prouder. Thank you all so much for your support through this deployment, it has meant a lot to me and I know that Rich has appreciated all your thoughts, prayers and care packages. Now on to the next adventure in our lives!

Happy 4th of July!!!

This picture was taken last year at the airport for R&R. Just thought it was appropriate for the song I put on here. We are so excited to see Rich this next week! Can't tell you how much we have missed him! Just want to tell you all Happy 4th of July and how grateful we should all be for the sacrifices all our armed service members have made along with their families. This is not an easy life but I think that it is very rewarding. How many people can say that every day they are really making a difference in this world? I am so proud of Rich and am super excited that he has been promoted in the last week to Staff Sergeant and we will be able to be at his ceremony in August!

Backyard is Ready!

New patio set that Rich and I picked out together online. I got Rich the waterfall as a surprise.

I love being able to let Chip out now without the leash. The backyard feels like our own space now instead of having to share and kids walking through at all hours.
Boring and unfenced backyard a couple of months ago.