Homecoming, Camping, and Birthdays

We are eternally grateful for the Lord's hand in Mike's safe return home from Afghanistan. Within Mike's first week back we celebrated James' 3rd birthday (though it took us a week to convince him he was three) and as soon as we could get leave we went camping at Mammoth Cave, KY. It was a bit of a spontaneous decision but was a ton of fun. Enjoy the photos.

It's been nearly a month since we have all been back together and I (Mike) cannot express how good it feels to be home. I believe the Lord when He states that "men are that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25). 'Might' is the key word. Joy, true happiness, is found in Christ and striving to live His Gospel. I am grateful for the peace and freedom its truths bring into my home, and the knowledge that as I draw near to Him...He too will draw near unto me (James 4:8, D&C 88:63).

Waiting for our Daddy to arrive.

 

James helped me with the glitter  for our signs

 



James helped with the glitter:)

More waiting...his pants are way too big:)

more waiting



The kids were so good while we waited for Mike.



Home at last! The look on James' face captures the way he was feeling...very serious and worried that his Daddy might get back on the airplane and leave again. It didn't help that while we waited outside the hanger to watch the soldiers get off the plane that we never saw Mike. James was so upset and started to cry. When we take Mike to work he still calls it "Afghanistan". It must be hard for a three year old to understand it all. We are just so very glad to have our Daddy home.



James' birthday cake. someday i'll get the hang of lettering on bday cakes



After weeks of telling me he wanted an angry bird cake, James decided he wanted a spider cake...not sure why. Funny kid.


The center of the cake.

One excited little boy.

We are starting him young. Go cougs!

His own tools to help daddy with projects...also starting him young.


Legos were James' favorite birthday gift. I found the whole bag and the table at the thrift store...shhh, don't tell:)

We went swimming on James' birthday and he loved it! He is a little fish in the water and has no fear...which scares me a little. We didn't get pictrues of anyone but Mommy and Lily.



 Lily hanging out with Daddy. We just love her chunkiness.

Sweet, beautiful Lily.

 

Also starting him young...watching Nacho Libre.

 

 

Driving into Mammoth Cave Park.

Setting up our tent.

James decided he was going to join Lily in the pack and play. We put a blanket over the top to keep the ticks from landing on Lily...they were falling out of the trees like crazy. I have know idea how none of us got a tick after two days of camping.

Roasting marshmallows...probably the highlight of camping for James:)

 

James having fun with Daddy.

 

smores!

Lily just hanging out.

Yumm!

Father and Son.

Waiting to hike down to the cave.

Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system in the world. One tourist in the 1800s described it as "grand, gloomy, and peculiar". This picture doesn't do it justice, but that description is very accurate.

At the cave mouth, looking up.

At the cave mouth, looking down.

Outside the visitor center. We had an awesome experience with our tour guide, Jerry Bransford. He was a direct (5th generation) desendent of Materson Bransford, one of the first guides at Mammoth Cave. His story was so very poignant. We were lucky to have him as our guide. Here is a link to the page: http://www.nps.gov/maca/historyculture/black-history.htm

Staying cool while camping.

Pretty baby!

She knows the good stuff.

 

James loves his trains...these are a few of the old passenger cars that would bring tourists to Mammoth Cave.

All tired out.

They both slept all the way home.