It was such an exciting morning, Lena and I got all prettied up and headed to the squadron to await the buses containing the daddies and husbands. As we drove past the Mechanized Museum we saw them all standing around turning in their weapons--we honked and waved but we knew we had to go wait for them to finish their task before they came to meet us at the squadron. I didn't see Dave but I recognized some of his friends and he saw us :) It was thrilling to know they were indeed here! So we arrived at the squadron and got ourselves all set up to wait in the hanger and within 20 minutes up came the buses! I was shaking! My nerves were all shook up! I saw a friend of ours walk up to his wife and brand new baby he hadn't met yet and just as I was about to take some video of them I saw a Marine walking towards us with a sly grin on his face--it was HIM! I forgot all about the video...(sorry Jess!) and told Helena "Look its daddy!" I set her down to see if she would go to him--he hunched down too about 7 feet away holding a strange chicken toy (apparently Tyson sent over stuffed chickens in cammies--he thought of Lena ;). Well, we didn't know what to expect, but she did not walk up to him like we had hoped, in fact she just walked away...oh well! I took my turn and ran up to grab my first hug and kiss...then the tears started. We scooped up Lena to reintroduce her to her daddy. He was so amazed by how she had grown and the way she was just walking around like nothing. She was pretty indifferent to him until we got home and he was able to really play with her, then she warmed up instantly and was saying "dada" by the end of the day. She's been walking around looking for him ever since when she can't find him shouting out his name. :) What a day! We spent some very intentional time together that day and thoroughly wore daddy out. He crashed at 7:30pm on the couch.
Oh brother Dave ;) (or should I say Yvonne for encouraging this by taking the photo!)
Thanks to everyone who provided us with so much love and support during this deployment. We couldn't have done it without you. Praise God that he is home safe and sound, and from what we hear for at least a year and a half! Thanks also to Libby and Yvonne for taking photos of our first moments together.
Alright...enough blogging--I'm going to go enjoy my family!
7 comments:
So glad Dave is home safe and sound!! Can't wait to hear all about your months overseas Dave!! Cali here we come in December!! Love you guys!! Can't wait to play with Helena too!!!!!
Stephanie, your photos are absolutely priceless! They brought tears to my eyes! So glad your husband is home safe and sound!
Erin
I just found your blog Steph!! Great pictures! I was definitely tearing up as I read your blog, I'm glad Dave has found his way home :) Enjoy having your family back together again!
Jenni
Awww Steph these pics are amazing! I'm so happy for you! Welcome home Dave- I don't actually know you but we've been praying for you to come home safely!
~ Linds
Hi Stephine and Dave,
I Don't know if you will remember me. Stephine I work with you at the infusion center.
I wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for the sacrafices that both of you have made for our freedom.
God Bless!!
Andrea Werkema
Welcome home indeed!
Thanks for all your work and sacrifice Dave. Boy we're glad you are back!!!
love
dad and moogie
What a sweet homecoming! Great pics you really captured the moment! We are so thankful for your safe return, yours and all the others that have given so much for our freedom. God Bless you all!! We love you!
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