…And His Visit is Over...

Yesterday, they squeezed in as much Xbox as they could.  He is not allowed to play at the Academy.

He had to take civilian clothes with him and opted for this goofy Vanderbilt hat.  I think it is one he doesn't mind losing.

 We were at the airport early for a 6:20 am departure.  It was a direct flight for him.

And…he is off to the winter swim training trip.  From Florida, he will head right back to the Academy.  We aren't sure when we will see him again...

It was wonderful having him home.  I ended up sick on the couch on Friday and today.  He claims he gave it me.  Who knows!  I guess if I don't feel better tomorrow, I will stop into one of the urgent care places.  Ugh!  Hope the other two in this house don't get it.

Christmas 2013

We went to vigil mass on Christmas Eve.  My Cadet was looking pretty handsome in his freshly dry cleaned uniform.

Peanut waited patiently until about 8:30.  We walked Buddy then woke up Pumpkin.  Merry Christmas!

 Buddy was a trooper.  He wore his Christmas stripes all day!

Pumpkin gave Peanut a swimming brief wrapped in a cardboard tube.  Pumpkin claims that "real" swimmers wear briefs.  Peanut wore his to practice this morning.  We will see if he ever wears it again!

Pumpkin got lots of practical gifts.  Our challenge is to figure out the best way to get them back to the Academy.  He might have to schlep them on the plane via Florida.

We finished off the day having family over for dinner.  My FIL requested hot dogs with chili last year. It stuck for this year.  It was very simple.  I think we got off easy.  Wonderful holidays!

Now…my prayer is to slow down the clock and enjoy every minute of these two days!!

Home for the Holidays

Love that I got a smirk.

Love that he is home!

…Adjusting to him being home, but not necessarily home:-)

We are staying home for Christmas.  Plan to take in all the festivities.

Thanksgiving 2013

What a wonderful weekend!  Pumpkin actually got in earlier than expected on Tuesday night.  We are grateful for the Delta agent at BDL that walked over to him in the gate area getting him on the earlier flight.  Weather was a bit of a mess.  He even got upgraded to first class once he made his connection.  It felt great to give him a big hug.  I impressed myself.  I maintained composure with just misty eyes.

On Wednesday, we were sitting on the couch.  He leaned over and put his head on my lap.  Wow.  As I rubbed his hair, tears swelled in my eyes.  Where did all the years go?  It seems like just yesterday he was on the couch with his pacifier.  So. Very. Proud.

The boys, my SIL, and nephew braved the chilly temps and ran the Turkey Trot 4 miler on Thanksgiving.  Other than the cold, it was a beautiful morning.

Peanut took third in his age group.  He ran well even as he was really struggling to breath.  He's got some bronchial thing going on.  Fortunately, it does seem like it is getting better.

 The Big Guy's entire family was together for Thanksgiving.  It was a lovely evening enjoyed by all.  Very.  Grateful.

 I can't even express how nice it was to be a family of four - all in one place.  Loved it!

We hung out the rest of weekend.  We did just a little bit of shopping and lots of football watching.  Then, the time came to head to the airport.  We left the house just past 4am on Sunday morning.  We were all tired.  I got my big hug at the airport and my cadet was off, again.

Best thing ever - he is coming back on the 17th!  Got lots to do between now and then.  Already feeling behind the eight ball as we did not decorate yesterday.  This morning I am doing Pumpkin's laundry from the weekend and I don't mind a bit.