Home And Gone Again

Greg was scheduled to come home for 2 weeks starting on July 5th. His flight was supposed to arrive at 11:00pm. But that day he called me and said there was a chance he could catch any earlier flight and make it to Pocatello by 6. He said if I didn't hear from him by 5:30 that meant he was in flight and to just go to the airport. As 5:30 rolled by I got the girls dressed and jumped in the car. Eva kept asking where we were going but I didn't really want to tell her in case he didn't make that flight and wasn't able to call me. I just kept telling her we are going....somewhere. We only had to wait at the airport for a few minutes before the plane arrived and passengers started deboarding. I stood to the side waiting patiently with the girls. I'm guessing because the girls where all decked out in red, white and blue that this woman figured we were waiting for our Soldier so as she passed us she said, "There are 2 men in uniform on the plane." My heart started pounding so fast and then....there he was. Eva saw him and ran as fast as she could straight into his arms. Then Layla followed and after that I was finally able to put my arms around my husband and kiss him for the first time in almost a year. It was such a wonderful moment.




Once we got home Greg took Julia out of her car seat and held her for the first time. 3 months old and she finally got to meet her Daddy.


We didn't really do too much while Greg was home. We Blessed Julia, visited family and friends and Greg had a couple job interviews. Most of the time we just enjoyed each other's company and spent as much time as possible with our little family. I forgot how easy life can be when you have your husband around to help out. 3 kids is a piece of cake when you have good help. It was a great vacation for all of us. And the girls absolutely adore him. Layla's phrase the whole time Greg was home was, "Daddy do it." It was such a happy time.


Greg was sweet enough to bring back gifts for all of the family. Here are his brothers and their wives in their new outfits straight from Iraq. We all had a good laugh.


Unfortunately the 2 weeks flew by and it was time to take him back to the airport.




This is the saddest picture ever. Greg was leaving and Eva and Layla tried to follow him. Once he was gone Eva turned to me with tears in her eyes and told me she missed Daddy already. It broke my heart. And the rest of that day Layla walked around the house saying, "Daddy where are you?" So sad.


Spending time with Greg was wonderful. A little boost coming into the home stretch. He will be home for good in September so this deployment is almost over. We are almost done! He is such a good husband and father and I can't wait until we can be a complete family once again.