Homecoming

Evan returned from Iraq Monday morning, thus bringing an end to our third and final deployment. I flew into Austin from Louisville on Sunday night, spent the night at Brad and 'Auli'i's house, (thanks again, guys!) then got up early and drove to Fort Hood. I didn't drive by myself, though. Brad followed me in his car and then used my camera to take roughly 200 pictures. He took a lot of time out of his day and used up a lot of gas despite being under no obligation. I am extremely grateful and his generosity will not be forgotten -- thanks B-Rad!!

Ok, lets get started, shall we?

Brad insisted we have some tea before getting on the road...


When we got to Killeen Brad left his car in a parking lot and then got into mine so we could get on post together. Unfortunately, my military ID had expired and the gate guard confiscated it, but she still let me on post because I had a valid drivers license.


We saw this tent and thought the ceremony must be here....


but it wasn't.... I was sad....


but then we found it!

there were horses...


...and dancing children...


...and high-ranking dogs


..and me...



my friend Jared was there waiting on the arrival of some of his soldiers! (No one knows what I am explaining here, but it must have been funny).


...and we waited....


the buses arrived! Evan is on the second one, but we didn't know that then.


the soldiers formed up behind the buses


then the buses drove away...


...and the soldiers marched onto the field


a chaplain said a short prayer, thanking God for the safe return of these soldiers and the Colonel thanked them for their hard work and dedication during the past year


then he yelled "Charge!!" (cause it's the cavalry, see?) and all the families rushed onto the field


all the family members start searching for their soldiers in the crowd


...but not me. I stood still because I learned in girl scouts that it's best to "hug a tree" when you are lost and let someone find you. (Also, this is not my first rodeo and Evan and I have this pretty well choreographed by now). So I waited....


but then I saw Evan!!




we are together again!



I introduce Evan and Brad. (This picture would be perfect if I wasn't holding my mouth all wonky.)


and we start walking to find Evan's bags..


stopping to talk along the way...


Brad notices that we both have pants tucked into our boots.


Evan gave me his backpack and I try not to fall over while he goes off in search of his heavier bags.


Found 'em!


then we walk ALL the way back to the car (you can't tell, but Brad is also carrying a large duffle bag)

...still walking...


When we got to the car I sat on the curb and let the boys try to figure out how to squeeze everything in. Unfortunately, Evan's bags take up too much room and we will not all fit.


so I take Brad back to his car...


...he goes to the restaurant, and I drive back to pick up Evan.


and Brad takes pictures of us while we eat...







THE END!!! I hope you liked the pictures, and if you do, you can thank Brad in the comments section!