Daddy is Home!

I didn't take the camera to the airport - I knew it would be too much. I knew I wouldn't even think of taking photos as Patrick came out of those double doors at the International flights terminal.

So instead I took pictures of the morning after. His flight didn't arrive until 10 PM. The children were all in their pajamas and toting their big, neon posters they had already made. We got lots of smiles from strangers who were interestedly watching the children anxiously wait for their daddy.

Needless to say, we all went straight to bed when we got home, so we had lots of fun the next morning catching up and wrestling with Daddy.



Gillian is holding the brass horse Daddy brought her.

He's Coming Home

Well, any of you who might be pretty regular blog readers are in for a treat. I'm not announcing this to the world - only to my blog readers!

Patrick is coming home early. He has completed his mission and is able to get a flight out four days earlier than we originally anticipated.

So my ticker is now totally wrong. It was a day off, anyway, but now it's three days off. Patrick will be home, God willing, Tuesday night around 10 PM London time.

I haven't told the kids. I'm going to try and surprise them if I can. They have already made posters in preparation for the big homecoming. We have printed up a banner to hang in the foyer. As far as they know, Patrick will be home next Saturday night. A week from tonight.

But Tuesday night, I will put Aidan and Gillian to bed as per normal. I will pack the car with their posters and blankets and pillows. And shoes and socks. And coats. Because, let's face it - this is England, and even though it's April, it's stinkin' cold.

I really, really want to tell you where Patrick has been. But I think I should ask him before I put it out there on the blog. I haven't been able to say where Patrick is since he's been gone, for his own safety. And for the safety of those with whom he is working. But I think I can say. Soon.

Needless to say, it's a horrible, hard place. Where I know Patrick has seen things he probably never needed to see. And now knows things he never needed to know.

But I am so proud of my husband. He has saved lives. He has worked over 950 hours of over-time in the past four months. He has worked hard, every single day, without a day off, for the past 118 days. In a row.

Most importantly, he has saved lives, he has made a difference. That matters to me - this making a difference business, considering the toll this trip took on our family and me.

I am so proud of you, Patrick. You are an amazing husband, an amazing analyst, a great provider of all things for your family. A godly man who desires the utmost in our lives. Thank you. For all you have done.

Now come home safely. We miss you so, so, so much.

Getting Ready for Easter

Decorating Easter eggs!

Hot Air Balloons

Twice since we have lived here hot air balloons have made close calls near our house. The first time, I kept hearing a funny noise - it sounded like someone spraying their car with a hose - in a rhythmic and even tempo. We finally went outside to find a hot air balloon practically landing in our backyard. They waved and were close enough that we could talk to them.
That balloon actually did land in a park near us, and the event was covered in the local paper last year.

This time, the kids spotted a balloon in the distance and watched as it came nearer and nearer our neighborhood.

This time, I got out the camera. We went out to the front garden and waved and shouted hello. Here are some photos of the event:



Not sure what the Virgin logo is all about. Perhaps they were just advertising. But we enjoyed the show, regardless!