Homecoming

This was by far one of the best days, ever.   As a military spouse you naturally watch homecoming videos, read blogs, and peruse Pinterest for Homecoming signs.  These always brought tears to my eyes but nothing prepared me for how I would feel for our own homecoming.  I was lucky enough to visit Nic in Perth, and then he came home for two weeks, but nothing compares to seeing the ship coming up and knowing he's home for a quite a bit.

We both got leis for each other.  I made his using plumeria from the tree outside of our home and some orchids.  Making a lei to welcome your heart home was a great way to spend the night before he came home.   Looking on Pinterest and seeing homecoming photos with cute homecoming signs made me want to bring a sign to the pier but the thought of having to carry it deterred me away.  Instead, I made a welcome home flag that we'll be able to have forever.  The girls also had on these adorable "Welcome Home Daddy" bandanas and life was just perfect and complete again.

PS: If you're looking for a photographer on Oahu, I cannot recommend Myria Ann Photography enough. A great friend who took all of these wonderful photos!

A Port Call

As soon as we found out Nic would be a SWO we started discussing the possibility of a port call as soon as the big "D" word came around.

I've been told countless times how you must go on a port call if you're able to. The stories that people tell, and the happiness and passion behind those stories, are enough to push you to save up as much money as you can to make it a reality.

We were lucky enough to have Australia on our port list and I am lucky enough to be part of an active wardroom with other wives were also planning on visiting at some point. A few months after they left and we were on our way to Western Australia. Four of us on the same flight meant no sitting by strangers, being able to split taxis and hotel rooms, and having someone to commiserate with once they left again.

This Navy life is crazy, and sometimes a bit depressing, but for all of those depressing times there are adventures awaiting. And wine.  If you would have told me upon Nic's commissioning that I would have been able to visit him in Australia with good friends, I would have laughed at you. Even if you told me a year ago I would have laughed at you.  But here I am, writing about a wonderful trip.