Reunion 2008!

Nick arrived safe and sound yesterday afternoon! We had been getting ready all week for the ceremony yesterday. We made signs, hung up banners, decorated and cleaned the house. Nick's parents are here, and they have been a tremendous help. It seemed that the seconds were slowly ticking by, but yesterday afternoon finally arrived. I think Sophie could sense our excitement, and refused to take a nap yesterday morning. She was one tired girl by the time Nick arrived, but she has taken right to him. We had a bit of a dilemma when it came to getting dressed. Sophie and I had new dresses to wear, and Ben had a new polo shirt. However, the weather took a turn for the worse, and it was in the high 30's and snowing! We finally decided on different outfits and headed out to pick up daddy.


Nick arrived to Topeka in the morning, and then all 325 soldiers he was with were bused to Fort Riley for the ceremony. The building was overly packed, and by the time the ceremony started it was standing room only. I had visions of Sophie toddling to her daddy, but it was so crowed we could never put her down. The soldier's all walked in in formation, and then the Chaplain said a prayer, they played the National Anthem, the General spoke, and finally the soldier's were released. We of course saw Nick when he marched in, but he had no idea where we were. It took about five minutes to find him, and by the time we did Benny and I were separated from Nick's parents and Sophie. It was hard to get good photos, since it was so very crowded.


We are already one happy family again! It seems that the sparkle has been restored to Benny's blue eyes. He is just so happy to be with Nick. Sophie has taken right to Nick, and Nick has already jumped in with the parenting duties (4 am bottle!). We look forward to spending some much need family time together. Nick will return to work next week, but will have a fairly light schedule. In early May he will start 30 days of leave. We don't have any major plans yet, but a trip home to Michigan seems in order.


Oh, and of course Benny had to wear a hat to the ceremony, but proudly took it off for the National Anthem! I think I need to go join Ben and Nick in a game of baseball, but I will post more later!