Welcoming Our Heroes Home

Both my husband and brother have been serving in Iraq for the last year. They deployed together, but were in different units, and ended up arriving stateside on separate days. Monday was Gabe's arrival.

My family showed up at my apartment early so we could make signs and banners for the guys.

:: :: ::

It was fun, and a great way to pass the minutes before we would finally get to load up in their van and go meet Gabe.

:: :: ::


Off to welcome a son home from the war.

:: :: ::

First hugs, Gabe & Anna (getting married this July!)

:: :: ::

Home!

:: :: ::

Together at last

:: :: ::

CUTE couple.

:: :: ::

Zack was so proud of his big brother

:: :: ::

Happy

:: :: ::

Baby Sis

:: :: ::

Another proud sister

:: :: ::

:: :: ::

The following day was when Andy arrived. Happiness!

Lady Liberty

:: :: ::

:: :: ::
I was so happy these two characters came along with me to take pictures and keep me sane while we waited and waited and waited.

:: :: ::

We had matching shirts (under our sweatshirts, obviously) which we planned... And matching jeans and boots, which we did not plan. Deep down I think we've always been sisters. We're just so grateful that Gabe decided to make it official for us.

:: :: ::

And the plane landed!! The soldiers step out on to (freezing cold) US soil, while fighter jets flew overhead. It was so, so, sooo cool.

:: :: ::

MY HUSBAND!!! I forgot all about my friends and family with me once I knew it was up to me to get into my husband's arms... They intended to get live footage of our first hug, but unbeknownst to me they got lost somewhere in the crowd. But they did manage to meet up with us before the first big long hug was over.

:: :: ::

Let me look at you!

:: :: ::
Kisses

:: :: ::

Smiles

:: :: ::
More kisses

:: :: ::

(My 4 year-old niece when she saw all the pictures: "Why are Andy and Brittney always, always kissing?")

:: :: ::

And then we had to say goodbye again.... For just a few more days......