Fireworks of all kinds

Daddy's home, life is good. Yes, Emily was a bit shy at first, but within an hour or so, when we tried to get her interested in "Signing Time" so we could, um, unpack, she freaked when her daddy went up the stairs without her. She's retaken her rightful place in the jogging stroller during walks with Azzie, and she had her beloved pancakes during Daddy's brunch this morning. (He's been doing this for months since we got here, and the specially-created Emily Pancake has gotten larger along with Emily.) There's been much silliness and giggling on her part, along with immediate "Daahyyy?" responses when she wakes in the morning. The king of her castle has returned.

Smart man. He came back bearing gifts, LOL. Emily is fascinated by the koala bear backpack he presented to her at the airport--which led to chuckles all the way home as she explored his eyes and nose--and I love the Australian opal necklace and earring set he gave me. How convenient that all three of us are October birthdays... nice birthstone. ;)

She's enjoying listening to the ship's guns at Pearl Harbor today, and I wonder what she'll think of the fireworks later tonight at the planesicles. Sorry, they're officially called "The Missing Man Formation" at the large Hickam AFB sign at the end of the jogging trail, but I've called them planesicles since we moved here. Because of the very quick turnaround between John's return from TDY and our leaving this weekend for the mainland, we're not doing anything involved. I'm going to put together a small pound cake, Cool Whip, and berries to resemble a flag, and that's about it this year.

But I'm so thankful my husband is home safe and sound. So many families this Fourth of July are separated and making huge sacrifices for freedom. To all the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who are away from family, know that we're thinking of you and grateful for what you are doing to allow us to sit home together, grill burgers, and watch fireworks in peace. God be with all of you.