Our Hero is Home

After 7 long months, the day we had talked and dreamt about was finally here.  I swore I wouldn't believe it until I had Patrick in my arms, but as soon as I saw those buses I couldn't stop the tears.  

The carpets were cleaned, Alex got a hair cut, we had our last girls dinner at Souplantation, then got the squadron around 8:15 to begin the waiting game.  After 2 bottles of Champagne and 2 hours of waiting 5 USMC buses pulled into the Air Station around 10:15 pm on May 26th. The gunfighters got off the buses and into formation behind them, it felt like an episode of Extreme Home Makeover...MOVE THAT BUS! As the buses pulled away the screams, tears and laughter began as 300+ Marines were reunited with their families and friends.  

Last girls dinner

New Squadron Building

The boys picture

Some of the ladies waiting 

My Handsome little man was excited to see Daddy

Some of the Chuck wives

Here come the buses

When my whole body started shaking

Finally being let go

The rest of the night was amazing and perfect, I got my kiss but seeing Alex and P together was the most relaxing, fulfilling moment!

OVER HERE OVER HERE

On a chair trying to get Patrick's attention

Complete

Not wanting to let go

LOVE

Pocket Pals

Richardson's

Not only was my family complete but I loved watching my friends reunited with theirs, I still cry every time I look at everyone's pictures from that night. 

DP's

Soon to be Lehman's (less than 4 months...YEAH)

Bjerke's

Congrats Gunfighters Gals we made it and I thank you for all the fun times we had while they were gone.  

Brianna & Chrissy...there are no words!

Official word

Family and Friends of HMLA-369,  The Gunfighters have successfully completed our mission here in Iraq. We are now in the retrograde phase of the deployment. Over the next couple of days we will be completing our preparations to return to California. Also, in the next couple of days we will begin our travel back home!  I know you are excited and eager for our return. And all the Gunfighters are equally excited to return home. Because of operational security and my concern for our safe return to Camp Pendleton, we will not be advertising the times and location of our travels. Also, given the variables involved with traveling halfway across the world, I will not know the precise time that we will arrive at Camp Pendleton.  So please bear with us. As more specific travel information is available, I will send out another MCT message in order to keep you updated on our return time.  If there are immediate questions or concerns please feel free to call or e-mail Barbara Greenbush who is our remain behind Family Readiness Officer. Her office phone number is (760) 763-1728. Her cell phone number is (760) 936-2994. And her e-mail is barbara.greenbush.ctr@usmc.mil.  Thank you for your support of the Gunfighters!  LtCol Zamagni  Commanding Officer  HMLA-369

This is it!

Patrick will be home in a few days!!!!!  For the safety of our Gunfighters who are traveling in a group I can't say the exact date but if you would like to know please email or call me.  Its been a long 7 months but I am proud of myself for making it and proud of Patrick for giving up all control (not that he had any say in that), trusting and encouraging me that I could do it.  The cars still work, the house didn't burn down and is in great shape, the yard looks awesome and Alex is more sweet and silly than ever!

WELCOME HOME DADDY!!!! YOU ARE OUR HERO!

Happy Mother's Day part 2

My good friend Emily came to visit for a few days from North Carolina but lucky for me she didn't want to do any touristy stuff!!! YEAH.  We of course did a day in wine country and spent one day exploring some of San Diego's most beautiful spots.  Emily has quite the talent for photography and an amazing camera (I think I know what I am asking for for Christmas), so while we were checking out the Hotel del Coronado she took some AMAZING shots of Alex.  I hope you enjoy some of the best pictures from our relaxing weekend

Happy Mother's Day

HAPPY MAY!!!!!!!

This is it...we made it to the month when Daddy will be home!  We still have a LONG 31 (max) days left till I get my kiss BUT we are in the final month!  YEAH for May!

See you soon Daddy!

WE LOVE YOU

Here are some new pictures from Patrick

Working out

Dust Storm

Easter Dinner...grilled Spam = gross

So close....yet soooo far!

The countdown is on.... 39 days (max) left of this Deployment

I honestly can't believe that I am able to say that, it feels very surreal.  I bought my dress for homecoming and I hope that Patrick's jaw drops to the floor!  

See you sooooooo Soon babe!