Catching Up

It's been pretty crazy around our house since I last posted...Nick completed his seven days of reintegration (physical and dental exams, tax forms, briefings about coping with the transition, etc).  The day after Nick finished reintegration, he came down with a nasty stomach bug that kept him in bed for the duration of his first four day weekend.  I got to dust off my nurse hat as not even Emmy could alleviate his maladies.  The following week flew by between numerous doctors appointments, multiple meetings with the chain of command, the Nashville Hilton, and my party vendors, a giant FRG fundraiser blitz, and a boatload of other preparations for our Welcome Home Party extravaganza.

We were overjoyed to have 75 soldiers and spouses/fiances/girlfriends in attendance.  Each and every one of them walked into the hotel with a giant smile on their face; which was all I could have hoped for.  Our Lancers dined on heavy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, mingled, and watched a slideshow of deployment photos in the candlelit hotel lobby.  After Nick gave a brief but heartfelt toast to our soldiers and families, we moved the party upstairs.  The fun became exponentially greater with the dancing, "prom" pictures (embellished with outrageous costumes and props), and dessert and candy bar.

All of the ladies agreed that it was amazing to be able to have adult conversations, uninterrupted by our children (we made a pact that we couldn't speak of them for the night.)  I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. :) The mood among the soldiers was just as lighthearted and fun.  Although I was unable to partake, I hear the party atmosphere spilled out onto Broadway as our Lancers set out to paint the town red and black...To our great relief, everyone was on their very best behavior as they blew off some steam. :)

Everything far exceeded all of my greatest expectations...Except for our obnoxious DJ who called me out each and every time I left the dance floor; and that the small wine glasses I made fun of, were apparently still too big for me.  Three of those suckers landed me kneeling before the porcelain god...Thank goodness my hubby was there to hold my hair back.

Day 1 of reintegration.

Cleaning up Cheerios courtesy of Emmy.

We found her sipping on my drink watching soap operas...

Emmy's new favorite hiding place.

Lunch disaster.

Dinner disaster.

New fascination: dumping the contents of her high chair tray in her lap.

All of our girls...

...sitting for cheese.

Welcome table at the party!

The carving station.

I love the mod decor. :)

Posing with a few of the ladies...Kicking myself that I didn't get one with my Nick.  Thank goodness for the professional pics!

Can't forget the shoes!