Welcome Home, Titan!

Billy waiting to see his dad

Waiting for Bill to come in

Having Bill return from Afghanistan was truly the bright spot of my week.  I was so happy when my boss let me have the time off to greet Bill at the airport.  The timing of Bill's return couldn't have been better.  Tina's parents, Ralph and Abby, happened to be in town to help with Eliza's birthday party and to be there for the birth of their latest grandchild (due Wednesday).  Eliza's party was Saturday and her actual birthday was Sunday, so Bill didn't miss a thing.
We had a pretty good little group waiting for Bill at the airport.  Emerson and I were there (the boys had to work).  Tina, Billy, and Eliza were there (of course).  Tina's parents, her brother and his wife and kids showed up soon after we did.  Then some of the other Air Force wives showed up with homemade signs to help welcome him home.  Their husbands just left for Afghanistan a few weeks ago and it will be about five more months before they get their happy reunions.

Our first glimpse of him

Bill and Tina reunited

We were all so anxious waiting for Bill to arrive.  Tina got a text from him when the plane landed, but it seemed to take forever before he made his way to where we were.  Billy and Eliza ran to greet him.  It was so cute to seem him scoop up Eliza (in her best Halloween colors).  Tears definitely flowed as the whole family was reunited.

The happy family!

Tina has lost weight and looks amazing!  Bill has slimmed down, too, but it's not nearly as obvious with all his gear on.  Billy and Eliza would hardly let go of their daddy for the rest of the time we were with them.  At lunch, both kids were pretty much leaning against him.  I know it will wear off, but it's so cute to see how devoted they are to him.
Bill was fortunate to have been in an assignment that didn't put him in as much danger as other areas of Afghanistan.  My boss is having a tough time right now because his son is a Marine and recently began his tour of duty in Afghanistan.  His unit from Camp Pendleton had six or seven deaths just this last week.  I'm so impressed with those who can put their lives on the line for us and I hope I never take it for granted.