He's Home!!!

After 193 days, Brad is home from Afghanistan! Thank you God for bringing him back home to his family!

The kids and I arrived at the airport at about 3:50. We would have been early, but I wasn't sure where the little airport was exactly. We also got out the door that afternoon a little later than I had intended. We all arrived and stood there in the airport by the door. Our neighbors arrived shortly after us and said they saw the plane up overhead. Within minutes, the airplane was on the ground and in front of us. I stood there with the kids with my hands shaking and sweaty and my heart racing. Jayce was climbing the walls trying to see out the door to the airplane. Brad was probably about the 10th person to get off the airplane. As soon as I saw him, my stomach did a few flips and my eyes welled up with tears. The kids started yelling his name. Brad walked into the airport with a big round of applause from neighbors, friends, and folks on his flight. He hugged each of the kids. Conley wasn't sure about him and came running to grab my leg. Brad then gave me a long hug. Oh, it was so nice to see him and touch him. Those who came out to help us welcome Brad home: Mark, Julie, Mia, and Adam Hedman, Eda, Anais, and Luis Castillo, Laura, Joe, Madi, and Joey Zujas, Shannah, Aubrey, and Alison Kassbaum, Frank and Debbie Moore, Terra Wade, , Maj May, Leshia and Mark Buchy, Marika Scott, and Sgt Fricks.

Of course, we had to stop by the Sonic on the way home to get some cold drinks since it was well over 100 degrees. He got a route 44 diet coke, I got a large diet Dr Pepper and the kids got a lemon slush. Brad was surprised to see the big banner we made for him and the yellow ribbon around the oak tree. We spent most of the afternoon helping him unpack with breaks to play. Brad now has 3 little shadows everywhere he goes. For dinner, we had waffles, bananas and peanut butter by request from Brad. Brad went to sleep about 10:30pm, but he woke up about 1:00am and stayed up. His internal clock will need to be adjusted a little at a time. This afternoon, he wants to take the kids to "wet a line." He has been in and out all day checking back in to the base. I know he has to be tired. Maybe, he will sleep more tonight.

There will be some adjusting to do for every member of the family, but it is to be expected! Brad isn't quite sure where to put all his stuff, can't remember where everything is in the house, not used to having the kids needing him so much, and getting back to all his responsibilities here. I'm trying to be patient with him. I know I will have to adjust to him needing me, letting him parent, and giving over some of my responsibilities to him. The kids will have to adjust to him parenting again which includes discipline, sharing him with everyone, and him being a part of their daily routine. We love each other, so I know it won't take long for us all to adjust.

We really appreciate our neighbors, our friends, our family and everyone who showed us so much love and support especially these past 6 months. We are so happy to have our family of 5 back together!!!