Done with Iraq.

I am home. I am really happy to be back.

The flight wasn’t too bad. We flew a 767 back and had to make a lot of stops. We stopped in Germany, Iceland, Newfoundland, and finally Cherry Point. The flight went on to Indiana. We had some soldiers on there and I am guessing that they were reservists from Indiana. I wonder if they trained with Rick. Every time we stopped the Marines would get out and drink as much beer as possible before returning to the plane. I was happy that no one acted too stupid. The Army wasn’t allowed to drink….I knew I picked the right service. I had to go to some “warrior transition classes” this week. It was kind of silly….the only thing I fought over there was boredom. I don’t think that I am at risk of post traumatic stress disorder. That is all done and now I am off until Wednesday.

Ava was scared of me for about a day. When I walked into her room she looked at me and said “Where’s Mommy?” She let me pick her up and take her to Stephanie….then she didn’t want anything to do with me. She finally warmed up to me and we are getting along fine. I can’t believe how much bigger she and Guy are. Guy looks the same…but Ava looks and acts like a different Kid. She talks a lot more and her hair is so long and curly. I am looking forward to being home with them for a while. I don’t think I will have to deploy again for about a year and a half.

I am going to be here until August. Stephanie’s parents are coming down to visit. I look forward to spending some time with them. When they go back to Indiana I am going to fly up to Minnesota with Guy to get my truck and visit. I think I will be up in Minnesota for about a week to ten days….or until Shawn throws us out of the basement which ever comes first. I am definitely going to stay a night or two at Mom’s lake in the weekend. Mom should start peeling potatoes now because I am ready to eat my weight in potato salad. Jeff should start stockpiling key limes…..since you shaved off the beard I am going to need some pie to get over the trauma.

I put some pictures up that Stephanie had on her camera.

I have my phone….the number is 252-571-1608.