Our tour of a P-3

Landon was in awe

"What's that?"

That's us looking so small in front of the P-3

Kev's Buddy Salmon--Uncle Fish to the kids

Noah in the Pilot's seat

Noah and Cora in the Main Load Center

"Hmmmm? What do I want to touch first?"

I wanted to add these pictures, even though we did this a while ago because it was such a fun experience for the kiddos. Back in October I was presented with the opportunity to take the kids to the hangar for a tour of a P-3. I jumped all over it because I knew they would enjoy it and they would get to see what daddy actually works on, inside and out. There were 3 people with us to answer all the kids questions (and boy did Noah ask) and they were so wonderful with the kids! One of the guys, Chris Salmon (but we call him Fish--he's a friend of Kev's), talked a lot about how he works with daddy when he is home (at the time Kev was still gone). There is one picture of Noah and Cora in a Main Load Center and I love it because when Kevin was in Iraq he had someone take a picture of him working in a MLC and he emailed it to us, so when I took this one I emailed it to him. I thought it was cool (but it's late as I write this so maybe I'm not making much sense and it doesn't help that Kevin is standing here reading over my shoulder correcting me) ANYWAY....I will just shut up and post the pictures. I hope you like them.

All the praying, all the waiting, all the wishing...has finally paid off!

What a homecoming it was! Our longest deployment and time apart ever, and the hardest we have gone through (and hopefully ever will). Having Kevin home completes our family again. Without him we are not whole. The kids were so excited and it is obvious in some of the pictures that they just did not want to let him go. I just wanted to cry, I was so happy. And, of course, Kevin was relieved to be back on Hawaiian soil with his family, but mostly he was elated to see us.

He told me about the crazy things that happened while he was in Iraq and it breaks my heart that all of our troops, marines, soldiers, sailors over there have to go through all of this. It really puts things into perspective when you hear firsthand accounts of what our loved ones are experiencing over there. I can't imagine ever having to go through that. I cannot thank God enough for all our brave men and women fighting for our freedom everyday.

While I'm at it I just ask that you say a quick prayer for all of them...wherever they may be...that God encircle them with a hedge of protection, keep their minds sharp and focused, that He continue to fill their hearts with bravery and courage to get them through another dangerous situation, another day away from their loved ones, another moment with too little sleep. Pray that He keep their hearts, minds and bodies strong, and that He will continue to give peace to the families and friends that have lost someone fighting for our country. And not to mention all the other--fill in the blanks--you can think of to add.

So to all of you who haven't seen these pictures, I hope you enjoy seeing tidbits of our warming welcome to Kevin. You can also check out the link to Gallery of Life Photography in the upper right corner to see three of the many pictures Elizabeth Boughton took of us through Operation Love Reunited. They all turned out so beautiful...I wish you could see them all but I would be doing a great disservice if I scanned them and put them on my site. So enjoy!

God Bless our Troops!!!!!!!!!!!

The wonder of bubbles

I finally found some larger bubble wands for the kids so they could get more for their efforts and it has been the best thing. They all enjoy this so much and we get alot of bubbles blowing around! Bubbles are such an easy and magical form of entertainment...for kids of all ages. I know I enjoy it just as much as they do. It gives me a chance to spend time with all of them in a way that involves us all, playing, working, andinteracting with each other. I find that it's quite difficult at times to find activities that are suitable for me to get that result. Often times I have to do different activities with them on different levels while one is sleeping, doing homework, or playing independently. With this I don't have to worry about timing or who is going to be bored while I make sure I get time in with this one. This takes all that away. They never tire of it and neither do I and I know my kids are enjoying the time with me and each other.

Pirates and Princesses and Tigers! Oh My!

Arrrr matey! Shiver me timbers!

"Sprinkles! I'n a princess!"

"yeom....rrrrr" He's a "giger"

Trick or Treat!

This was a fun adventure for sure. I know I'm not the only one that has to do this, but man was it a challenge to get three kiddos ready and take them trick-or-treating! Not five minutes before we left I dropped one of my 5 gallon bottles of water on the floor....yeah....I'm sure you can imagine.....Needless to say I was rushing and it was a hoot and holler for the kids, but it was all worth it to see their faces and know that they were having so much fun. Landon caught on quickly, as I knew he would, and was very good about getting back in the stroller in between houses. All three of them impressed me with the use of their manners everytime! "Thank you" "Daint you" "Tay-too". It started to rain but that made it so much more fun for them! I'm so glad the water incident didn't get in the way and we were still able to go out and have fun. And as always they all got to enjoy one piece of candy of their choosing when we got home (I know I know but I have my limits for nights like this).

Messy, messy, messy!

Just a little farther....

mmm....s'good

What? Do I have something on my face?

This is what "cheese" is all about!

Um, yeah. I gave them their bowls of ravioli/spaghettios and they decided sticking their faces in the bowls to eat was much more fun than using their spoons. Shauna is actually the one that grabbed the camera while I got the tubby ready. She got some pretty awesome pictures in my opinion. The one of Cora trying to lick the "O" off her face is so funny, and I believe there is an "O" stuck to landon's top lip in one of them. They look so funny! Oh man. I hope you smile as big as I did at these pics.

Welcome Jesse and Dylan!

Homecoming

Kate and Jason bringing the boys home
got a secret to tell ya

Joke telling time

HOORAY! We are finally home

I am proud to say that the members of the Owen Party each have an upgraded status. Aunt, Uncle and cousins! Although, Kevin and I are Auntie and Uncle to some of our friends kiddos it's still fun to have acquired the title by relation. Jesse Darrell Davis, 4lbs 5oz 18in, and Dylan James Davis, 4lbs 7oz 16.5in, were born on July 16, 2008 at 1700 and 1712, respectively. They finally got to come home on August 7th, I believe for having reached the 5 lb mark! Congratulations to my step-sister, Kate, and her husband Jason on their new little bundles. And, of course, congrats to my Dad and Kelley, the proud grandparents, for being such their fourth and fifth times over. Aren't they so cute and ittle wittle. So far it sounds like all is well for the new family of four as they adjust to sleepless nights and exhausting days. Captions came from my step mom, Kelley, when she sent the pictures to me and I thought they were cute so they stuck. CONGRATULATIONS Kate and Jason!

Update on Kevin

Kevin is doing well, just really missing us. He loves all the packages that we all send him and he loves staying connected with the pictures he gets of the kids. Emails are always a great way to tell him hi and keep his spirits up so if you don't already have his email and want it you can certainly give me a call. Kevin can't wait to get home and we are both counting down the time until his return. We miss him so much and I can't wait for him to see the kids and for the kids to see him. Like I said if you want to send Kev an email, call me to get the address. He would love a hello from anyone I'm sure (just definitely don't send him any junk or forwards).