After 18 wonderful days.....

The time came for the boys and I to put Rob back on a plane bound for the Middle East. I'm not even sure how to describe what I'm feeling right now. I think with the holidays coming up, it is really going to be a trying time. Although we are a military family, and separations happen quite frequently, Rob has some how always been home for the holidays.

I guess the only positive thought I have right now, the next time we see Rob, it will be for good, we won't have to give him up 18 days later.

R&R was wonderful, yet awful at the same time. It is such a tease, "here ya go, have your soldier, get used to him being around, but you have to give him back up so he can go back to Iraq and put his life back on the line." Yes I know, this is what he chose to do, but it doesn't make it any easier.

Jonathon asked me when daddy would be home again. I asked him if he wanted the truth or lie, he of course wanted to know the truth, so I told him sometime after 1st grade is over, thats when daddy will be back home. His reply was "holy smokes mom thats a long time"

I managed to snap a few pictures among the hugs, kisses, and I will miss yous'. That and trying to have our "alone" time in the airport. All the people waiting to board the plane were just watching us, really kind of made me feel weird, seeing people, men and women watching us, and wiping tears away from their own eyes as Rob was saying "see ya later" to the boys. Then came the last set of hugs, and the boys latched onto him and didn't want to let go. I must admit, I did the same thing. I even offered to break his legs so he didn't have to go back, he kindly objected to my idea, can't say that I blame him. Anyways, here are two pictures I got this morning.


Rob pointing at us and he telling us he loved us before walking down the ramp



The boys watching as daddy's plane was backing up and going toward the runway