Lance's Return

I have pictures from our fun in snow but those are going to have to wait.

Lance is home safe and sound and words cannot describe our excitement. We are so incredibly grateful for his safe return and so happy to have him home.

The whole family loaded up and headed to the airport for his big return home. We were both surprised and excited when we got to the airport and saw all the support for the troops coming home. It was wonderful.

We got there about 20 minutes early and I'm pretty sure it was the longest 20 minutes ever.

Kayla (Lance's girlfriend) anxiously awaiting Lance's return

When we finally saw him coming down the stairs we started cheering so loud and the tears came.

A touching embrace

He's home!

It felt so good to give him a big hug. It was incredibly surreal to have him standing right next to us after a long 11 months.

The news was there and interviewed Lance, we were so proud of our celebrity soldier :)

We got his luggage, took some pictures, and then drove off for a big family dinner at my Dad's house. Lance could not wait for his home cooked meal: spaghetti-his favorite.

Jenny and Lance

Me and my Buddy

Jaime and Lance

Lance and his two younger sisters, Abby and Cassidy

A proud mom and her soldier

The adorable couple

A proud father and son

My patriotic daughter showing how much she loves her country and her Uncle Lance

Hand in hand

We had a fabulous dinner as a family and got to hear some stories (although he couldn't tell us everything) and hear how his day to day life was over there. He seemed like the same person, just more mature and grateful for the experience.

We are so proud of Lance and so thankful for his courageous spirit and willingness to defend our country.

Welcome Home Lance!

Rough Rider

This is one bad chick, she is hardcore.

So hardcore that she fell onto the handle bar and got a pretty big bruise on her cheek.

I don't think I've ever heard her cry so much and for so long.

Fortunately she is okay now and will occasionally ask us to kiss her cheek, which we love to do anyway. Bria has enjoyed all her toys so much and it's nice to have things to do inside.

Brian and I had fun building a castle with her blocks and Bria had fun climbing in it.

Then she joined in on the building and loved it.

We've had a pretty good week so far and today it just got better, we got a couple inches of snow! It's the perfect powdery snow that's fun to play in. Bria and I already went out this morning and had fun going for a walk, eating the snow, dancing, and making snowballs. My feet and hands were freezing despite being bundled up so I eventually made her come in but we played for a good hour or so. Hopefully we'll go back out in awhile. It's currently gorgeous and sunny and snowy outside, it's just beautiful. Pictures to come :)

Party Time

Well it happened, Bria turned the big 2 and we celebrated it with a TinkerBell party. Bria loved all the decorations and balloons, she was thrilled to death. She was a little cranky and I think it was because she was so overwhelmed, I've never seen her so quiet. Usually she's talking up a storm but she just kind of walked around and observed.

She loved having all the kids to play with and was in heaven with so many of her cousins, aunts, and friends. Fortunately it was really sunny on the day of her party so they were able to run around outside. It was still pretty cold but nothing a winter jacket couldn't fix.

I think Bria enjoyed just about every event of her party:

1. Presents

2. Cupcakes (whilst being sung to)

3. Playing outside

4. Hot tubbing

Having a tea party with Maggie and Cassidy

Eatin' some lunch

Cupcake table

She thoroughly enjoyed all her presents, and I mean every single one. I got just as excited about her presents because she got lots of new books, adorable clothes and shoes, Legos, coloring stuff, a grocery shopping cart, and more I am sure that is slipping my mind right now. She's a lucky little girl that is for sure.

Loving her book

Her friend Maggie helping her open presents

So happy about her new book!

This girl loves to read

Reading one of her awesome new books

Taking a break to stare off into space

Blowing out her candles

And diving right in!

She ate 2 cupcakes, yes 2.

And then wanted milk STAT. I was not quick enough as you can see. It was completely my fault, she didn't overreact at all or anything.

Outside to the rescue though!

She got a new Fawn doll (one of Tinkerbell's friends) and carried it around all weekend

Don't you love her new boots? I am in love with them!

Bria likes her new boots too :)

We attempted to get a family portrait but Bria was not thrilled about us taking her away from playing.

And we died laughing that Porter decided to join us for our family picture, such a ham! Love that kid.

Honestly, the picture above is the absolute best picture we got. The rest of them she is screaming in and I am making a face like, "I give up."

She was not having picture time at all.

Not even with Grandpa Holcomb and Aunt Heather and Daddy

So we set her free and away she did run.

Bria and Jaidyn walking around exploring

Bria and Cassidy

As the crowd faded and the party was coming to an end, we threw the kids in the hot tub to get them nice and tired ;) Bria was thrilled to be in the hot tub, I know she misses being in the water all the time.

Her new swim suit, so cute!

She kept calling it the bathtub which was making me laugh.

After the dust settled I thought she'd take a long nap but she was too sugared up to relax. Can't blame her, it was a pretty fun day.