Counting The Days

We had a few opportunities to get together with Adam in the past couple months and we made the most of it.  Dinner out just before he left for training will probably be the last get-together at a restuarant for a long while.  The kids were awesome but it's lots easier to enjoy each other when they can relax too and sitting around chatting is not their idea of relaxing.

Adam had a pass a few weeks after training started and we all (except John - he had one of those pesty things called a work day - we missed him) spent a day at Justin and Dayna's.

Now this is the kids idea of relaxing!

And the boys idea of relaxing . . .

Recently Adam had a last pass before deployment and we all got together at his place.  I think we thought it would be easy for him that way - he wouldn't have to go anywhere.  He has a nice place that's perfect for him.  And he has it furnished / decorated really nice. It suits him. 

Insert 6 more adults, three active little ones and two babies . . . . . let's say it got interesting.  But it turned out great. The kids didn't have their usual "playground full of toys" but found ways to entertain themselves.  Pretend naps in Adam's bed were a laughing hit for a while. Adam's gazillion magnets of words on his fridge turned into art. And the empty box from the Chinese food . . . well you know kids and boxes.

The babies played "switch-the-moms" . . .

Zak took pictures . . .

Scott and I thought it was kind of amazing to sit back and watch what has become of our three little kids . . . the noisy, chaotic, full of love, family. 

Adam had quieter visits with each of us while he was home and had time with his friends.  Scott and I had lunch with him and visited some more while he folded his laundry and packed.  We said our goodbyes and got our last hugs.

We love you Adam.  We're proud of you.  We're going to miss you (already do).  Be safe.
And we'll be counting the days until we can see you again.