****Operation Arrival!****

Last weekend we all trekked in to DFW Airport to surprise Uncle Shawn with a big welcome home from his 10 month assignment to Iraq. And when I say "we", of course I mean...

my girls and me
my sister and her 3
my other sister (his wife) and the new babe
my parents
my grandparents
one cousin, with his wife and 2 sons
4 pairs of aunts and uncles
one family friend (considered an aunt)
3 of my parents' cousins and one of their kids

I'm sure I'm leaving someone out, but you get the picture. We had 30+ people there. My sis had made arrangements through a USO rep to get us all through security and to the gate. The kids had made signs with their classes, and all the little ones had t-shirts that read "Proud Niece/Nephew of an American Soldier".

This guy didn't know what hit him when he walked through those doors. He was overwhelmed, relieved, elated, and in shock all at once! He gave my sister a big hug, then was handed his little boy for the first time ever. The little guy was half asleep, and on the transfer, snuggled down in his daddy's chest. Precious.

He had a great welcome then we all drove back to my parents' house for a big spread. Lots of his favorite foods, plus more.

We are so glad to have him home!
Here are some of my favorite pics:

The kid crew.



My girls going through security. So cute!


Emma with the sign her class made.


A kiss.


Daddy and baby