So, Erik left six months ago in September. He was originally going to be gone for 8 - 9 months, missing the children's entire school year, but luck was on our side and we were extremely blessed to have his deployment shortened by two months. This does not happen very often.
Last fall I started a count down with the kids - Kisses From Daddy. I filled a jar with Hershey's kisses, estimating the general arrival time of Daddy and counting out the kisses for accuracy. Each night after dinner and before bed, the kids could reach in the jar and get a kiss from Daddy. Then, when the jar is eventually empty, Daddy will be home. This was a big hit with the kids. I anticipated having to add or subtract kisses as needed, and I have done so over the months. This is what the jar looked like after Christmas:
This is what our jar looks like now:
Whoa!! We are so close. Daddy is currently in temporary housing, anticipating his flight home. Just another couple weeks until he is here and playing with us!
Now, this six, almost seven, month deployment has gone by fairly quickly. We had so many holidays, birthdays, and activities with family and friends to keep us busy. However, out of curiosity I took a look back at some photos I took of the kids the day after he left (the first day of school.)
That was then, this is now:
Don't you think they look so much older? It just shows that six months is a LONG time. We are so grateful to see the end drawing near. Plans for the party are underway!
Everybody over here say YO YO! Everybody over there say YO YO! Yo what?! Yo what?! ;) It's better when you see the dance moves with it.
ReplyDeleteWe're excited for you to have a husband again. Document the reunion!
I guess it didn't really matter that we took chocolate out of your jar...we wanted kisses from Erik too!