AN OOMPA REUNION

The waiting is over... finally!  In fact it would have been over sooner if we had checked the updated flight status because his flight landed early and Gabe was already at the baggage claim area when we got to the airport.  What a sight for sore eyes!  All the stress and fears I have felt since the start of his deployment instantly fell away.  My boy is home!

And oh the stories he has.  I suppose I was staring a lot but I still can't believe he's home with us.  He has an accent.  He's from Colorado.  We don't have accents here.  I guess the diversity of the military is starting to rub off on to him.  But my goodness, what a potty mouth!  At last count he owed Rocky over $40 for the Cuss & Fuss Fund.

All the hugs we've been saving up over the past months were redeemed today.  I kept the Oompas home from school so they were all waiting at the door when we drove up.  I can't remember when I last saw such unanimous joy on all of the kids faces, all at the same time! 

We had to regroup as far as Little Zachary goes.  I was totally devastated last night.  Poor Gabe was hoping that we were kidding and half expected to see his little son waiting for him at the airport.  Now we are making arrangements to fly Zachary and Kayle out here next week.  We are bound and determined to get them out here one way or the other.  Keep your fingers crossed for us that this plan works out.

Gabe spent the entire day at home with the family.  Later in the evening some friends came over to visit for a while before they kidnapped him and took him out to celebrate.  Its good to see him laughing and having a good time.  Its so funny listening to him talk.  Little things we take for granted... like fresh air, he marvels at.  Every time he walks past the fish tank he says hello to Henry the homicidal goldfish he gave the kids when he left for boot camp almost 2 years ago. 

Well, its been a very long day and I'm completely drained.  I have to go and recharge so I candish out more mama-fussings tomorrow. 

The Oompas and Mama looking at pictures on Gabe's laptop.  This is the closest they have been in ages without trying to inflict bodily harm upon each other.