Booya!

We have had a big week at the Shalz household. And it all started with Levi's best friend moving away. We've known for a few weeks that she had to go but we finally found out that she was gonna leave early in the morning the same day papa was coming home. So we had one last playtime the night before to say goodbye.


These 2 had big plans for their future together. Kinda sad for them to learn so early that it doesn't always work out. You never know...their daddy's could be stationed in the same place again in the future. We could even be neighbors again one day. It's completely possible. They really were a good pair. Makes you understand the concept of betrothing.
So Levi's "hon" left, but his papa came home! September 9th we finally got to go pick up Nathan and bring him home. The glorious and insanely long count down finally paid off! Sitting around in a hangar didn't sound like a fun plan but turns out they know how to put on a homecoming show. Need to endure waiting for your loved one to come home...and then fiund out they're a couple hours delayed? Just rent a bouncy house!
No bouncy houses for adults though. Nothing to keep my mind off how close I was to getting my prince home.

There were 2 dogs at the welcome home gathering. Naturally my children spotted them both and had to have a few visits. This was a much smaller and much calmer golden retriever than our own. But Charlie still is better than all of them.Even bouncy houses can't keep a dramatic little emo boy content for too long.
When bouncy houses and little flags fail, call in Miss Rachel to save the anxious moms from having to fake patience with the squirrely boys. How many times can a young teacher play "rock, paper, scissors" with 3 restless boys? Apparently as many times as it takes.
Finally the plane has landed. We really were there for a few hours and we were beginning to become unreasonable. For about the last 5 minutes Levi was just crying and saying his papa wasn't really coming. I told him he really was on his way. That he shouldn't cry now! We were so close. But he said, "I just want to cry for a little bit." Truthfully, he was saying the exact things I wanted to say. He was feeling the same feelings I had. I just couldn't act them out because I am expected to be more reasonable than that. But finally the plane landed.

My friend not only helped entertain the kids, but she also followed us with my camera as we reunited as a family. I was really thankful she offered to do this.

Once all these white uniforms started to fill the runway I could hardly hold still. The only thing that kept me in place was that I had no idea which one was my sailor! ;)
I honestly did not know what to expect once I got these photos on the computer because I didn't have any clue when she took our pictures. As soon as I finally spotted him we left everyone behind. Can anyone see him? Just look for the tallest sailor.


Just like that, the 7+ month separation is over. We're all together again. And we're grateful.

On our first Saturday together as a family again was a great sunny beach day. The water was so blue, the kids were so cute, and my husband was so home!


Jumping waves and fetching drift wood.
I know this picture looks a little scarey but I promise it was ok.

Pretty much a perfect picture and the image I grasped onto in my mind as I fought through the questionable months.
There was some speculation on how exactly Gracie would receive her phantom daddy. Would she be shy and reserved? Would she be sweet but standoffish? Would she even possibly be scared? No no no... As I hoped and even predicted she is head over heals for her very own papa. And the next several pictures will attest. She wants hugs, she wants kisses, she wants attention and she wants her papa.




Nathan had 2 little helpers with getting his bike ride ready.
I really like Gracie's face in this photo. I think she's saying, "My papa"
And that is how our family reunion went down. A weekend full of relief and togetherness. Nathan has been home a week and things are falling back into normalcy quickly. Separations will come up again, and stress will creep it's way into our home here and there. But right now we're livin' it up and reminding Papa what it's like to be at home. And no matter what, my God has proven Himself faithful (time and time again) to hold us in His tight and mighty embrace. Fo' reals!