Mitchell gave him a running leap hug, Ian looked tenative but allowed a hug and Carmen turned away into my shoulder. She warmed up in a few minutes and let him hold her.

 

Carmen played hard to get the next few days, flirting with strangers and ignoring Joe when he tried to get her attention. Eventually she stopped punishing him and gave lots of kisses and hugs the rest of the visit. The boys accepted Dad was home to visit without incident and have adjusted fine again now that he's left.

 

He had traveled for 4 days and was tired. By the fourth day of his leave he managed to stay awake past 7pm. I think proximity to these kiddie whirlwinds added to his exhaustion as well.

 

We test drove some trucks, he visited the boys' schools, we went swimming at the YMCA, hiking in the woods, bowling and thrift shopping. Lots of cooking, grilling and eating went on too. We celebrated our Christmas for a day with a fondue meal, presents and watched old and new Christmas home videos.

 

St. Kris babysat for us while we had a long date of shopping, eating at a Indian restaurant and a movie. We also camped in one night, pitching the tent in the front rooms, microwaving smores and improvising a camp fire.

 

The boys had some memorable quotes during his visit:

Mitchell

-Hours after picking Joe up, "Why do you keep kissing?"

-To Joe about his dessert, "Why is your piece so freakin big Dad?"

-In church, "Mom, I'm praying to Jesus that Daddy makes it safely back to Afghanistan."

 

Ian

-"Dad gets the biggest dessert because his tummy is soft and squishy."

-To Mitchell, "This is a bad discussion."

-"I do not like Dad's visit at all!" (He turned off Tom & Jerry).

-"I had a wonderful time hiking."

-"You're the worst Mom I've ever had."

 

Joe's back at FOB Wilson already per his email to me and will be transitioning to a new position with the Top Guns 1/320th Field Artillery. His new address is:

MAJ JOE SCHOTZKO

HHB 1-320FA, 2/101 ABN

FOB TERRA NOVA

APO AE 09370