HOME!!!!!!!!

After six months in Afghanistan, Edward returned home.  We are so glad to have our soldier home and thank the Lord he returned safely to us. Words cannot express the amount of relief we all felt with Edward arriving home, especially knowing some of his soldiers, and friends, would not return home.  War is horrible and the reality that good men have given the ultimate sacrifice will remain with us forever.

 

 I didn't tell the kids until they came home from school Friday that we would be going to the airport.  They thought it was going to be Sunday, which was our original date, but due to many circumstances, Edward arrived home early. I knew the kids would not focus while at school, and it was a great surprise. They came home to the banner up, as I hung it after they got on the morning bus.

 Once home from school, the kids quickly started working on their signs.

 "We have waited six months to hug our dad."

 Soon, it was time to head to the airport. Because Edward came home a few days early, he flew home partially with the Air Force and partially with a commercial airline.  He was able to come home early because he will be attending a medical conference all next week, something he hasn't been able to do for a few years due to back to back deployments.

 Beyond excited

 We were able to wait at the gate, which is a trick of the trade I knew about, and I'm very glad to report the Fayetteville airport was so nice (and helpful) with everything. They were excited for us too.

 Finally!!!!

 11,000+ miles and several days of travel=HOME

Edward was shocked to see us at the gate.  He was deep in conversation with another medical person from his unit that he happened to meet up with in Atlanta and ended up sitting with on the flight home (small world). As the guys walked off the plane, Madison flew over to meet him at the opening to the door, and Edward almost didn't know what was going on.  It was really sweet. Luke, who has been so stressed with everything, just started crying, and I don't even think he knew why. He wasn't upset, but the relief of seeing that airplane just came out. It was so good to see our favorite guy.

 Edward with his mini-me

 Luke was determined to carry Edward's ruck sack through the airport, in spite of it weighing well over 50 lbs.  He was so cute trying so hard to carry it.

 Finally together again

 This was the last day of our jar.

EMPTY and ready to be put away for a LONG, LONG TIME!