He's home and other HUGE events!!!

Wow!!! What a whirlwind past month we have had. Nic got in to the USA on July 3rd, I flew down to see him on July 4th and stayed with him until the 7th!!! It was awesome! My parents took care of the kids for me so I could go and be with him by myself which was great. So when he got to fly home on July 9th we were able to concentrate on him with the kids. It was a great way to do things. :) We were blessed enough for his work (SLC - Submarine Learning Center) to give him a 30 day stand down period! So he got 30 days of vacation without having it taken against the leave he has earned. It was great!!! We went camping for five days (which was a WHOLE other story in itself) and came home. We got home and found out Nic made Chief!!!! That was a HUGE accomplishment and we are SOOOO thrilled! HOWEVER, he has to go through an initiation period which is six weeks long. Not very much fun, but totally worth it in the end! But he did have to go back early. We were just thankful for the 2 and a 1/2 weeks off we were able to have with him before he went back to work. I'm sure we'll have plenty of frustrations during the weeks to come, but sometime in September, the pinning ceremony will all be worth it. I'll keep everyone up to date once we know a bit more. Thanks for all the love and prayers during Nic's time in the Middle East. It was VERY much felt and we appreciated everyone who helped out. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! God Bless!!!