Welcome Home!

Saturday, Nov. 18 was a cold but clear day. This was the day that we had been looking forward to for almost 7 months. As the kids and I drove on the base toward Pier 12, we realized that the ship had moored early and was already tied up to the pier. We found a place to park (way out in the back 40) and walked toward the many white party tents that lined the street in front of the pier.

We made our way through the thousands of people that were anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones. There was an estimated 8-10,000 people there. They had sponsor booths and give-away bags, entertainment, etc. At one of the booths, some bright person gave all of the little kids obnoxious whistles to blow on the pier. That was very annoying. You know, we can never go anywhere without somebody knowing Levi. This was no exception. They were glad to meet "Levi's Mom".

The first group of people off the ship are usually the new fathers. Their wives and new babies are waiting on the pier in a special tent that is kept warm. The fathers are then taken to meet their new little one that was born while they were deployed. There is also a "first kiss" drawing and that person is also one of the first to leave the ship. The next group is Chief's and above. That would be the group we were waiting for. They were all dressed in their "dress blues" and looked pretty sharp. It is really hard to find "your sailor" because they all pretty much look alike. Some of the comments from the kids were, "no, he is too tall; no, he walks too slow; wrong uniform"; etc.
Finally, as we were watching, Kirk had snuck up behind us somehow and surprised us. It was so good to see him.

WELCOME HOME KIRK!!!

End of Fall Soccer

Kelby played his last game of fall soccer last Saturday. He was pretty happy because he scored the only goal. One of the Mom's bribed him from the sideline with $1 if he would score a goal. He did. Guess we should have done that at the beginning of the match.

"Hey LOOK!! a plane"
Is there any question as to why I work for a chiropractor??
Good job benefits!

Teaching Grandpa a few tricks..

While Grandpa and Grandma were here in Virginia, they were fortunate to get to learn some of the customs of the youth in the area.

After we finished Kelby's birthday party, Grandpa brought out his many bags of candy and so Levi proceeded to show Grandpa what he learned in church. How to smoke smarties. (we are so proud)

They practiced, and practiced
And by George, I think he's got it!

I wish for...

My wish may come true ... Kirk will be home in about a week!
Check out Papa Spud's Adventures. He's been to new places.

www.papaspud.blogspot.com

Homecoming Dance

If Levi approaches you and asks you if you need to have your lawn mowed, suspect something. When it came time for Homecoming Dance this year, Levi approached the owner of this 1989 (Levi's birth year) Jaguar and offered him a mowing job in exchange for borrowing the Jag for his date to Homecoming. Apparently one of the 4 cars that we have around here, wasn't good enough.

As you can see, the exchange was a success and Levi brought the Jag home to wash and polish it.

He was pretty proud to be driving a Jag. That was Homecoming. What deal is he going to make for Senior Prom??