A Week of "First's"

These are a few pictures from Chris's first week home! It was such a wonderful time for us :)

Since Chris got back at night, we took this picture of him the next morning with his "welcome home" sign...I never knew my high school Spirit Leader skills would come in so handy in my adult life ;)

The sign is a bit of an inside joke, so I'll explain:

One very late night in Afghanistan, a very tired Chris was saying goodnight to me over the phone when he said, "I love you....(long pause)....extremely....(long pause)....I, I forgot where I was going with that...." I got a pretty good laugh that night and since then, it has become our standard "goodbye" to each other.

Chris's first home cooked, much-deserved "splurge" meal....

An all-time favorite of his: Chicken Parmesan with Margherita Angel Hair Pasta and Sauteed Broccoli.

I think he likes it....

His belated 1st Anniversary present- a flat screen TV for our bedroom.

(Pete had to get in the picture, too.)

 His first (again, well-deserved) beer. I brought him a case of Shiner Blonde, his favorite, only available in Texas.

We were very glad he made it home in time for his birthday! I made him Red Velvet Cupcakes (another favorite)!

 Why I love him so much...:)

We later went out for dinner...our first date night :)

These are all things that I have dreamed about doing with Chris for seven long months apart. We are absolutely loving getting to spend so much time together!!

WELCOME HOME, CHRIS!!!

 These pictures pretty much speak for themselves and there's not much I could say to make them better, so I won't commentate too much. I will say, that these pictures capture a moment that was truly surreal, indescribably joyful, and without a doubt given by God. We are certainly happy and so grateful to finally be back together and to be able to enjoy and share our lives together again!

Waiting for their arrival!

First embrace :)

Overwhelming joy!

Thanks so much to everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and support over the seven months Chris was deployed. You've all played such an important role in helping us get through this time apart. And by the grace of God, he's finally home again!! We love you all!

PS: Thanks for your patience in waiting for me to post these pictures....we've been enjoying some much-needed, devoted time with each other! :)