a surprise...

reading with the kiddies on the couch...

snuggling the littlest buddy...

cute girl on a couch...

kissing his littlest buddy...

two kisses...

the girl...

a rainbow outside the hotel...

so, david was supposed to get underway today for a few days.  and, something broke, so they are home tonight!!  how fun is that!  it was a nice surprise for the kids.  

there are a ton of resources for deployed family members.  we were given an "elmo" dvd last night dealing with deployment.  the kids and i watched it today.  and i cried.  i think watching the kids might be the hardest part of deployment anticipation so far.  trying to help them make sense and understand this.  that daddy is home tonight, but is going to be gone soon.

the ymca does quilts for kids with deployed families.  (i made our for the kids.  they get them next week... i'll show 'em to ya!)  

there is a website called "operation love reunited".  it's local photographers that do reunion pictures... coming to the airport/ship/etc when the loved one comes back and takes pics of the reunion.  but, before that, you can do a photo session before the loved one leaves (which we are doing this weekend) or while they are gone and the pictures get sent to the loved one.  it's totally free...  and they usually offer discounts if you wanted to buy prints.  so cool!!

there is a website that does "daddy dolls".  they make 12 and 17 inch dolls with the daddy (or mommy)'s picture on it.  and you can even add a voice recorder.  you have to pay, but there is a section for people who can't pay, they can be donated.

and then the focus sessions we did last night.  i am so sure there is so much more.  but so far, we are feeling so blessed with all that is offered!  

well, i am off to enjoy the extra night with my hubby!!!