Saying "See You Later" to Dad

I was looking back through my posts & realized a couple of things. One, I have been horrible at posting, and two, I haven't ever done a post about Matt's deployment!! It has almost been exactly 3 months since Matt left for a year long deployment to Kuwaiit. I tried to explain to the kids that he weas going to be gone for a LONG time, but knew they wouldn't really be able to understand the time concept. (Trinity understands a little better than the 3 younger ones) Since Matt had to leave at 3am, we just did our good nights and good byes (or see you later's as I like to call them) before bed.

The kids were all really hyper and acting silly & I wanted to make sure they gave a good hug and kiss. I think it would be safe to say I was feeling a little overwhelmed that the day had actually come for Matt to leave & I got frustrated with the way the kids were acting. I told the kids they needed to settle down and be serious to say goodnight to Dad because he was going to be gone for a long time. As I said the words out loud I got a little emotional & Trinity blurted out to everyone, "Yea, we are NEVER going to see Dad again!" I started laughing & Matt assured everyone that we would see him again. :) I tried to take a few pics of each of the kids saying good night/see you soon.

Big Group HugTrin (understanding the best that Dad would be gone for a while)Pase (we had just celebrated her one year B-Day that day, but her actual Birthday was the following Day)Brin (SQUEEZING Dad's guts out. I love how her eyes are shut so tight as she squeezes)Gray (Our "tender" little guy who alwasy askes for "one more kiss and a hug")We miss Matt everyday & are so proud of all he does to support our family and protect our country. Trinity has been learning a lot more about the Military at school & it is fun to see her understanding and appreciation for our freedoms grow.