Back From Iraq...Again!

My handsome, sweet, completely awesome cousin returned from Iraq about 10 days ago. He's only 23 and this was his 2nd time there. I have been honored twice by being able to go to Ft. Hood and welcome him home. The girl made signs for him so we'd be easy to find in the crowd. Ft. Hood is about 2.5 hours from here. We had to leave at 3:30 a.m.! (We really love that kid!) At that early hour my brain was not engaged and I forgot my stinking camera. Here's some pics from the camera phone:It's an awesome experience getting to be at that party-even if it is 6 o'clock in the morning! There is something so awe inspiring about seeing all those soldiers and their families and only half understanding all of the sacrifices that have been made by every single one of them. Boy is still his sweet and cheerful self, but I'm sure he's seen and experienced things that I can only imagine as being a really bad dream. Here's some pics from the first time he came back:

His mom and dad weren't able to make it down till 2 days after his return so we had him all to ourselves. I think he was safer (or at least less hassled) in Iraq. I think he may have wanted to take a nap:

But the boys had fun attacking him:

I took him to the resale shop-he may have lost his fashion sense while in the desert:Can't really blame him-the girl confiscated his clothes:His parents showed up to rescue him:

And his to do list got a little easier:Or did it?We are so glad he is home and in one piece. So many come back in pieces or in a box. Whatever your political views are, we all need to support our U.S. Soldiers!