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!  :)

Father's Day Fun

Fathers Day was a fun one.  Our families gathered at my parent's house that evening for some dessert.

Rigdon with his cousin, Sterling, and his grandpa.

My sister, Jodi, and her husband, Ben, have been visiting from Texas.  It's been so nice to have them here with us for a time.

Ben's stealing some of Jodi's pie.

Meanwhile, there was an epic battle going on outside.

With serious casualties to be expected - such as death by light sabers. 

All the kids had been begging to play Einie-I-Over for a few days, so we all headed over to my grandparent's place since they have the best house for a game like this.

Dividing into two teams.

Watching for the ball to come over the roof or to have the other team come running from the side of the house to start tagging people.

Run!

My niece, Kaylee.

Aubs trying to catch the ball as it comes down off the roof.

The kids love this game.

My nephew, Briggs.

 MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE PICTURE OF THE DAY!  These girls make me laugh.

My brother, Cory, is looking a little too cocky here.

Someone needs to humble him just a little bit.

TAGGED!  Way to go, Carson!


Dang!  Almost Connor.

Beautiful Lisa.


And the sweetest picture goes to:

We had treats afterwards and then headed back to my parent's house.


These girls are growing up!

Aubs, Kristine, Kaylee.

Ethan did a head somersault right off the trampoline here:

Happy Father's Day to all the men in my life!

My dad, Carl, and his dad, Glenn.