Early July Homecoming, or Veggies in Iraq

A couple of years ago, a guy walked into the church here for the first time. My mom just happened to be the one to greet him, and the next week she and Dad invited him to lunch after church. We just happened to be visiting from Springfield at the time, so we got to meet him, snazzy pinstriped slacks and all. :)

Fastforward to this past February. Lots of dinners at Mom and Dad's, game nights, a new-found friendship with my out-of-town sister, dating my sister, proposing to said sister, and lots and lots of flirting from Anna all comprise events that have happened over that time period. Then, Travis, being a civilian engineer for the Army, deployed voluntarily for the second time to Iraq. We knew that the months would be long for him and my sister until he returned in July. Then July came. We were so glad to see T back in the states!

Cheesy pose to show we were waiting anxiously, which was true, but the reality was that we spent a lot of time walking the kids around...

Licia wouldn't let us join her upstairs to meet him (why? Hmmmm... :) ), so we caught him as they came downstairs.

Caleb showed off his sign. Anna had been saying she was going to give T a "beeeeg hug." But she clammed up. I guess she had gone way too long without flirting with Travis.

But he hadn't gone alone! He had two stow-aways, mainly for Caleb and Anna's benefit. We were so excited that Travis took the time to bring a little piece of Iraq back for them. Check these Veggietales out. So brave...

Preparing for the long flight that would eventually end up in the Fertile Crescent, aka area of Ur, aka Babylon.

Hard at work and ready for anything...

Local wildlife.

Heavy Duty set of wheels...

Stylish transport, for sure.

Thanks, "Trav", for taking the time to do something special for our kiddos.

Also, it's T minus 7 days until you officially become Uncle Travis! We can't wait! :)