The day is finally here

USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN 71
Welcome Home

The day is finally here (March 11,2006). Mike would be returning home from his deployment from the Arabian Gulf in support of "Operation Iraqi Freedom." During his deployment he was able to experience neat places; Naples-Italy, Palma Mallorca-Spain, Jebel Ali-UAE and Marmaris Turkey.
I never thought this day was ever going to come. Once we made it to the half way point, the days seem to have flown by. Mj and I did a gummy bear countdown. Of course I was the one eating them. It was something that I looked forward too. One less gummy bear meant, one more day closer to his return.

Our signs

In preparation for Mike's return. I made welcome home signs, decorated our vehicle, the front of our house, made sure all the food was prepared for our big WELCOME HOME bbq with family and friends. Did we have a house full. Mike's parents, grandfather, two best friends, a family friend and her son stayed at our house. I wasn't able to sleep the night before. The excitement was too much. Morning eventually came, it was finally time for us to greet Mike off the ship. It was the most exciting, nerve racking day. I felt like a little girl with butterflies, shy about meeting a boy. That first kiss and hug was amazing. My husband, best friend was back and we had a so much to catch up on, and learn about one another again. Welcome Home Baby!!