The Hero Returns...for a visit

I thought I would post the pics of our hero's great return. Jeremy made it home for R&R (that's military terminology for rest and relaxation...aka a two week visit with the family in the midst of the year long deployment). I was just coasting into town from our San Angelo trip. The kids and I made it in at about 1:00 am and then I had a doctor's appointment at 10:00 am. We needed to get the car unloaded and I needed to get the final release from my post-surgical instructions. I got a phone call from Jeremy saying he would be in at 11:30. Yes, this is where I start to PANIC! Thank heaven Rebekah is such a helper. I left Bek and Savannah Kay to tidy up and I drug the baby with me to the check up. I rushed out, rushed home, rushed a look in the mirror and some perfume spritz, rushed to the airport and rushed into the arms of my precious husband! I cannot even describe the feeling of seeing my husband after months of separation and after all that we had experienced apart. It was just like he never left...only now we were a family of 5! The girls were waiting at home for us to arrive. This gave Mommy and Daddy a chance to say hello. This gave Daddy a chance to finally meet his baby boy, and this gave the girls just enough time to come up with a hero's welcome! The girls were standing in the driveway, waving the American flag when we drove up...which was PRECIOUS!

Welcome home Daddy! We have missed you so much! Jeremy's first look at his son in real life
In awe

The welcome committee

Pure joy

My treasures...How can one girl be so blessed?!

Daddy Memories

The two weeks we had with Jeremy just flew by as fast as we knew they would. However, we certainly made the most of the time that we had...

Jeremy took both girls on a "Daddy date." Savannah Kay and Daddy bought a soccer ball and went to the soccer field. They did dinner at the new burger joint in town, "Smashburger." By the way, that soccer ball is not only pink, it glows in the dark!


Bekah and Daddy went to Chipotle for a bite to eat, and then they headed to the mall. She came out with two tees from Hollister. This Daddy knows how to treat a lady right!

Daddy liked making his little guy smile!


and of course the boys had some down time

Since boys don't do Daddy dates, Daddy just gave this little guy a bath and some snuggle time. By the way, let it be known that the one and only time Mason has peed when his boy parts were uncovered happened on this very night. Jerm thought a little air would do him good, and I was in a panic that we would have a small fountain. I was video taping the bath and Daddy time when my greatest fears were confirmed. We had our first pee incident...from the bed, right into my shoe! Mom may not have much experience with boy parts, but I do know a few things! The rumors are true...if it is out in the open, it is sure to spout!

Loading up to leave

Here I am with my hero, my best friend, the love of my life on the morning he had to leave me. Hurry back home! We miss you more than you could even imagine!

Bear Hug Student and a Birthday

I mentioned that my family made the trip to Manhattan this weekend. It just so happened that my precious Daddy celebrated his big 61st on Thursday the 18th. Their trip was a great excuse to celebrate his big birthday. Excuse the hormonal moment, but I think it is rather important to take a moment to explain just how precious those birthdays are to me. Just 4 short years ago, cancer almost took my Daddy from us. I am so thankful he is here and mostly healthy...and celebrating 61 years alive!

Friday night I took the family to The Little Grill. This is a local place, owned by a Jamaican man. The food is really good and the atmosphere is even better...especially on Friday nights when the owner picks up his guitar and sings. He plays classics from Van Morrison, Elvis, Bob Dillon and others. To much protest from my nay-saying mother, we headed out for dinner to this little Manhattan secret. I think she thought I was taking us to some one's backyard in the middle of nowhere. And guess what....Everyone had a great time! Occasionally I do pull through, Mother.

After enjoying good food, great company and fantastic music...I asked our entertainer to sing "Happy Birthday" to my sweet Daddy. The host promptly ordered a shot of Hennessy for the birthday man...and Daddy took it like champ! It was hilarious! Mom kept asking "What is Hennessy anyway?"

Our singer even sang "Brown Eyed Girl" to the girls. When we left, everyone had a huge smile on their face and swore we would be back soon. The best part was that we felt like we had been on a mini vacation to the islands despite the outside freeze. PS, it snowed on Saturday. I snapped a few photos to remember the evening. We came home and enjoyed carrot cake and presents. It was a perfect evening!

Prior to our big celebration, I made a trip to the kids' school. Savannah Kay was the "Bear Hug Student" this week. This means she took home the class bear and needed to send back pictures of herself and some forms that shared all about her. In addition to hosting Ted E. Bear for the night...she could invite a parent or visitor to come and read to the class. I made the trek to the school (20 miles outside of town) to read a couple of books to her class (just like a good Mommy should). I think they really enjoyed my visit. I read We're Going on a Bear Hunt and Don't Be Silly Mrs. Millie. Both are really cute little books. My sister Rachel came along and documented the occasion for us. Thanks little sister! Hooray for our little Bear Hug Student!