Cally the artist

Cally is becoming more and more creative everyday and art has really sparked her interest, so for her birthday we got her an easel to paint and express her artistic side. Here's some pictures of her creating her masterpiece!

Family Beach Day!

The weather is starting to warm up a bit and now that Zane is home we are out and about doing fun things all the time. Today we decided to take the dogs to dog beach to watch them frolic in the sand and water. They love the freedom and so do we! Cally and Daddy spent alot of time playing together and it was a wonderful site to see. It's so nice to have him home! Here's a few pics of our fun day!

Happy Birthday Cally Mae!

My sweet baby girl is 2 years old! Where does the time go? It feels like only yesterday I was holding her in my arms and listening to her coo. Now she's running, jumping, climbing, talking, dancing, singing, and every day she surprises me with something new. She is such an amazing little girl. I have so much fun with her! She is creative, independent, and confident. She loves animals, and her vocabulary grows more and more everyday. She now talks in sentences and makes it clear to you of what she wants and needs. We are so truly blessed to have her and enjoy every moment with her.

Cally: Every day you amaze me and bring me so much happiness. You are a wonderful little girl and I love you so much! The world is at your fingertips and I can't wait to see all the wonderful things you will bless this world with. I love you my darling. Happy Birthday!

The Ericksons and Reinholtzs came over for a small dinner to help celebrate our little girls big day.

Zoo Day!

Cally turns 2 tomorrow so we decided we to take her to the zoo to celebrate. She loves all animals and gets so excited to see them so we knew she would have a great time! Here's some pictures of our fun day! (It sure feels good to do family outings again!)

"Hmmmm....where should we go next?" 

Peek-a-boo!!

Roarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Welcome Home Zane!

Alas, the day is here!!! These past 6 months have been long and sometimes felt everlasting but finally it is time to see my wonderful husband again and I could not be more overjoyed! The last couple of days have been a bit hectic trying to get last minute things done, have the house cleaned, the fridge filled with his favorite things, finding the perfect outfit for Cally and I to wear and getting beautified in the process, but it is now all done and all that is left to do is to go pick up my Marine. Yay!

So Cally and I arrived at the Miramar Air Station and met my wonderful friend Pam who was there to take pictures of our exciting moment. Shortly after Sam and Wes arrived and together we celebrated the end of the deployment and impatiently waited to hear to command to go outside to see the airplane land that had our husbands in it.

After a while that felt more like an eternity, we finally were directed outside where the Marine Corps Band greeted us with wonderful music. I was giddy as can be! I knew in just a few short moments I would have Zane back in my arms again! Cally was a bit confused and didn't know what to think about the large crowd and loud music. I had explained to her earlier that we were going to go get Daddy and she was very excited to hear the news, but when we arrived to the homecoming celebration, she became a little shy.

Suddenly Sam grabbed me and pointed to the sky and said "there they are!" It took me a moment to locate the pin point in the sky that was their airplane but I did and together we watched them come in and land. Seeing the smoke of the tires screeching on the tar mat was the best feeling in the world! Shortly after, the airplane doors opened and Marines began to pour out. I was so worried I would not be able to find him since they were pretty far and they all look the same from a distance but I know my husband and could recognize his walk from a mile away, which I did. I shouted his name, we made eye contact, and then I rushed through the crowd to greet him!

Finally I was in his arms again! After a long and wonderful embrace, he knelt down to greet Cally. She was a bit shy and hesitant, but a great moment nevertheless to see them together. What a site to see, father and daughter reunited!

A news camera captured the moment and we are so grateful to have that on video. The whole family made it on the news that night! They interviewed us along with the Ericksons (Pat, Sam and Wes).

After a bit of catching up and celebrating, it was time to go home, together as a complete family. What a great feeling that was.

Zane: I missed you more than words could ever describe. I'm so lucky to have you as my husband and am so very grateful for the sacrifice that you made and continue to make every day as a Marine. I could not be more proud of you. Thank you babe! I love you!

Just a few hours later, Cally and Daddy are back to their old selves: