Homecoming!

I am very happy to report that the Lt and all his Marines made it back home safe and sound last week!

Thank you to everyone who has been thinking of us and praying for us these last seven months. We have been so blessed by all your support and encouragement!

Waiting with my sweet deployment buddy Dawn.

This, of course, was our family's first homecoming, though I've been to two others to take pictures for friends. Even when it's not your husband coming home, it's always a fun and joyous day to see families reunited!

(I confess: it's even happier when you get to bring your husband home at the end!)

Homecomings are notorious for involving a lot of waiting around -- sometimes hours and hours! Ours was unusual in that our boys actually arrived two hours before we were expecting them, which caused a little panic among the wives as we quickly tossed the kids in our cars and practically raced the buses to the barracks.

(I heard that the Marines actually stalled a little while at the armory, to give the families a chance to get there. No one wants to get to homecoming late!)

Pippo and I got there in plenty of time. We had to leave the cake unfrosted, but remembered to bring some cold Dr Pepper in a cooler. So not bad.

You know they're really and truly almost there when you hear the motorcycles -- they had a Patriot Guard Riders escort for their trip from the Air Force base where they landed. There are few things more exciting than the sound of those engines coming down the road and knowing your husband is marching behind them.

Then you just need to search that sea of uniforms until you find your own Marine!

There he is!

(I should say: my good friend Tracy, her husband, and their two sweet children came to help welcome the Lt home. Tracy took all these great photos for us. She's the best!)

(I've always said I will happily look at an almost unlimited number of almost anyone's wedding photos, regardless of whether or not I know the bride and groom. I feel sort of the same way about homecoming photos. Hopefully you do too, because we're not done yet!)

Pippo was a bit overwhelmed by all the commotion, but recognized his daddy, and was excited to see him. He was shy at first, but as soon as we got away from the crowd, he started beaming huge smiles.

We brought Daddy home, along with all his gear, and spent the weekend spending some good family time together and helping him adjust his internal clock twelve hours. And, of course, plying him with all his favorite foods.

It sure is good to have him home!