Last Few Days at Home

Two weeks can go so fast.  We thoroughly enjoyed every minute that we got to spend with Jed.  His first week at home was a bit of an adjustment.  His mind was on his soldiers and to be honest, it was uncomfortable for him to be home.  He had suddenly been taken out of an environment he had been living in for the past 9 months and the change was a drastic one for him.  However, the last week Jed was the complete opposite - he wasn't ready to go back to Iraq.  He was ready to just be home.

Among all the activities with the kids, there were just the normal, everyday moments too.

We barbequed.

I forgot just how great Jed's cooking is.

A very happy Aubrey who is completely content to hang out with her Dad.

We had some fun playing basketball and baseball.

To top it all off, the evening before Jed had to leave, Aubrey decided she wanted to go ahead and get her ears pierced.

Jed was glad to be there for moral support.

She's starting to get a little nervous now. 


It's taken her a long time to get up the courage to have something stuck through her ears.  Mind you, this is the same girl that had to have three people hold her down while she got her immunization shots.  She is dreadfully fearfull of any type of needles or shots.

So this was a REALLY big deal for her.

Ready, set...

PUNCTURE!

Now for the other ear.

All is well in the world when your Dad is by your side.  :)

That night, it was time for the kids to once again say goodbye to their dad since they would not be coming to the airport.  Connor immediately started to cry and buried his head into Jed's chest.  I guess this part will never get any easier.

Next morning - the journey begins back to Iraq.

We quickly stopped by his mother's place to say goodbye. 

And then off to the airport.

Winnie the Pooh decided to stay home, so Osa, the Pillow Pet, is coming along for the ride this time.

After a few days of traveling and some very long plane rides, he's now back in Iraq.

The enemy took no time in welcoming Jed back....his base got rocketed with mortars as soon as he took his first step into his trailer.  The rocketing was close enough that it gave Jed a real good shaking.  Home sweet home.

And now we're back to skyping again.  Thanks goodness for that.  It really makes a difference in being able to stay close as a family.

There is good news though.  We only have a few more months to go before he gets to stay home for good!  :)