Homecoming Day!

The day we have not-so-patiently been waiting for finally arrived!  Hubby's ship FINALLY arrived in its home port!  Eight and a half, almost nine, loooong months after he left, that beautiful, shiny new ship  pulled into the pier on one of the coldest days of the month.  The kids were ready with their signs (which Hubby did see from the ship!) and for a good two hours after the ship was sighted waited patiently for the time that they could hug their dad.

First hugs

Excited to see her daddy again

The kids loved having the chance to board the ship and look around.  Mr. R got a kick out of seeing our van onboard, along with hundreds of other vehicles.  The kids explored Hubby's room and "helped" him gather his things to come home.  Once we arrived back at our house we were greeted with a surprise.  Our incredible neighbors decorated our porch and yard with streamers and balloons to help welcome Hubby home.  The kids were excited to see all the decorations because they knew someone else had put them up.  After explaining to Hubby that I had not put them up he was pretty embarrassed to be getting attention from everyone.  But we live in such an awesome neighborhood that it was touching to see that they wanted to welcome him home too.  

The next evening we had Hubby's official "Welcome Home" party with the entire neighborhood and had a lot of fun.  Now we just need to get back into the swing of things since we're a complete family again!  Can't wait!