Stop 1: Maui

We really enjoyed our post-deployment'moon to Hawaii! We were able to stop at 4 of the islands and really see a wide variety of Hawaii. First stop was Maui. We went snorkeling one day and biking the other. Brad was also the star of a Hula show and he was just so excited about that...

Here's the Maui pics.

The Molokini crater. One of the top 10 snorkeling sights in the world.

We didn't see any dolphins, but we did see a giant sea turtle.

Getting ready for our bike ride through Maui. I'm actually surprised we both lived through this. It was extreme biking. 30 mph down a volcano hill. Thought I was going to eat the concrete!!

Some of the beautiful flowers that I saw on our stops.

Oh just a random chameleon crawling around in the trees.

I think I owe Brad for life. They saw me trying to force his hand up and singled him out. He was a good sport though.

Vegas

We just returned from the 2/4 gala in Vegas and had a blast! 

My war hero. 

Brad and his boss, Lt. Epstein

Our table. Brad and his two Lieutenants.

On top of the Mandalay Bay, where we stayed.

Getting ready for the big night.

My fancy dress.

The night before. (Sorry these pics are out of order).

This was the day before we left. We had an array of Marines here- all Brad's guys.

Just call me Mrs. Gunny

Brad worked so hard these past few years and deserves this so much. So proud of the new Gunny!

He's HOME!

Finally, 7 months apart and he is home! Here are some pics from the homecoming weekend.

The signs outside the house.

Waiting at the parade deck. We were there from 1am-3:30am. Miles was such a trooper.

Memaw was a trooper too.

Here they come marching in! (3am).

We are so excited we can hardly stand it!!

He spots us...

Tears, tears, tears...

Miles sits on Daddy's bag while he goes and fetches the other 5 huge bags. I should have taken a picture of all the luggage.

Getting ready to head home.

The next morning... meeting Matt.

Twins

I have my coffee buddy back!

Can't get enough hugs

IHOP the next morning. Brad is SO tired and Miles can't take his eyes off him or his hands off that flag.