But we did have lots of treats. My team had some extended downtime between missions for the first half of November, which was nice because we’ve quick-turned from one mission to the next for a while now. And when we got back from Iraq, I had a bunch of care packages waiting for me from family as well as my contacts from AnyAirman.com and Operation Write Home. And yes, we even had thematically appropriate seventh-inning stretch snacky snacks …
Jennifer sent lots of Halloween treats like stuff to decorate our own cookies and lots of candy. So while I didn’t get to dress up and go trick-or-treating with my sons this year (one of my top five regrets during this deployment), I did get to celebrate my favorite holiday a little bit. She also sent a pirate piñata. I swear my intentions were good and I wanted all nine of us in the combat
camera section to get a turn to swing at it. But I went first and, armed with a baseball bat, in one swing showed the pirate why ninja are better …The time was also really good for our family. Jennifer and I did a lot of pre-reconnecting - talking about things we want to do once I get home and even settling of some old arguments. Difficult at times, wonderful at others, positive all the way around. Marriage at a billion miles from each other is a lot more difficult than either of us thought it would be. But we’re growing and making progress as a wedded couple. Despite the times when we want to choke each other, we are still good about acknowledging our love for one another and maintaining the goal of resolving our disagreements. Even when I’m not as correct about things as I usually think I am …
Right now I’m hoping to get home a few days after Christmas. I asked Zachary point blank if he wanted to open presents on the 25th or wait until I got home. Without missing a beat, he made the family decision for us and said he wants to wait until I get home. I’m really proud of him for that decision and it means a lot to me that he's willing to wait so we can enjoy the day as a family. Being a dad from a billion miles away is just as trying as being a husband and the time apart has been really difficult for the boys, too. And really, all I want for Christmas is to be with my family again. Santa better come through for me on this one too. He still owes me for that LEGO train set I always wanted. And if not, well, he can ask the pirate about my batting skills …
You used a baseball bat? No wonder!
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