Better late than never....

Josh left for Japan a week ago tomorrow and I am obviously behind in posting some pictures from our visit with him the two weeks he was here. He really enjoyed being back home. Each time he leaves and comes back he seems to appreciate "home" more. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be? I remember going through the same thing as a young person. You don't really appreciate the ones you love until you've had an opportunity to miss them.

We gave him a camera for Christmas. You can see here he was thrilled...LOL...and so are we. We are hoping for lots of pictures from Japan.

J & J had probably one of the best times together that I as a mom have ever seen. Since Josh has been away these past 6 months, his little sister has grown up. She's the independent, driving herself around, taking college classes sister now.....and turning a few boys' heads these days too. You should have seen Josh turn into the big brother when even another guys name was mentioned....he just went into protection mode asking questions and making sure these guys are fit to be with his sister! It was sweet to watch, and they had a great time being silly, as only they can be.

Then all too soon, it was time to say goodbye. He will be stationed in Japan for a couple of years and does get some leave time, but it's still so far away and a long time in between visits.

Here we are hanging out at the airport waiting for his plane to arrive. One nice perk about being a military family is that we get to go through security to the terminal where he boards the plane and wait with him. We found that out the last time he was here...

One great result of Josh's trip home this time was that it gave him a chance to get to know Nacoya better. She thought he was pretty funny...which he is. She loved his ethnic impersonations and the goofy voices he would use here at home.

Proud Mom and Dad with our Marine

Getting ready to board the plane

One last goodbye...This one was hard...for him and us. I'm always o.k after he's gone, but getting through the goodbyes is just the pits. I think it was even harder on my sensitive husband...he's more the cryer than me anyway, and this one did him in. But, not to worry, we are all doing well now and so excited for the opportunity afforded to Josh right now. It's like David said to Josh just after we found out he was going to Japan, "Whatever God has for you son, takes you through Japan." So we can rest in confidence that God who loves him more than we ever could will keep him in His care.

We did manage to get one family picture while he was here...and doesn't he look handsome in his uniform!