Welcome Back Babe!

After a successful deployment to Al Asad Iraq, Zane and the rest of the HMM-364 Purple Foxes finally came home! It was the day that we had all been waiting for! Throughout the day I received several automated phone calls from the FRO (Family Readiness Officer) with arrival times, changes in the schedule, etc. Via Facebook and phone calls from other wives, we all tried to keep each other informed of whatever we had last heard. Anxiety was running high and we couldn't wait until the time was actually here. The final word was that they would be arriving at the hangar at 2am. I spent the day doing some last minute cleaning and grocery shopping and had Sam, another wife, and Wesley, her son, over to watch a movie and help time go by.

The guys flew out from Iraq to Germany, barely making it out due to a sand storm. After a layover in Germany, they flew to Ireland for a few more hours of waiting. From Ireland they flew to Maine where they were so graciously greeted. And finally they flew to March Air Force Base where they loaded onto buses to head to Camp Pendleton.

Meanwhile, Cally and I woke up at 1am, got ready and drove out to Camp Pendleton to wait for Zane to finally arrive. Mike and Erin were kind enough to join me to take pictures and film our anticipated reunion. Driving to Camp Pendleton was super nerve wrecking and I was really anxious to get there. I was trying not to speed and keep Mike an Erin behind me since they were following, but I was having a hard time doing that because I just wanted to get there. I was afraid I was gonna be late and Zane would get off the bus and no one would be there to greet him.

We arrived at the squadron on time, but soon found out that the arrival time had been pushed back. After several hours filled with anticipation, the bell started going off and the hangar doors began to open. My heart began to beat so fast and I couldn't wait. We all ran to the hangar doors waiting to see the buses. Finally 3 buses pulled up. The guys just began to get off all at the same time and no one knew where to look to find their loved ones. We were all frantically searching and finally, I spotted Zane. I screamed out his name and started running to him then realized i had left Cally in her stroller all alone so I yelled at Mike to stay with her while I ran to my husband. Finally, we were reunited again! He picked me up and we hugged. It was the best hug ever! I was so glad to have him home! What an amazing feeling that was! I brought him over to Cally and he was thrilled to see her. She was a bit hesitant but it felt so good to have our family together again. I feel so blessed. Welcome home babe! I love you and I'm so proud of you!