I am pretty sure he is thinking “Who is this person and why does she have a camera in my face?!?” but there is just something about this photograph that I love.

*****

I had the wonderful opportunity to share a very special day with this family.  Today, Daddy was coming home.  Adam has been gone for 8 months on the U.S.S. Miami.  While I often thought of the men and women serving our country, I admit I didn’t often think of their families.  Since moving to this area, I have met many wonderful Navy families and am in awe of their strength.  8 months…or as one mom explained to her child that day…Mr. Adam had been gone since the Easter Bunny had visited and was home just in time for Santa’s visit. I know Christy didn’t get much sleep the night before and the two little girls, Cally and Lucy, were all dressed up to welcome Daddy home.

We started out the day at Eastern Point Beach to chase the submarine in.  It was so exciting to see the submarine as a speck on the horizon.  We watched as the tug boats led the submarine down the river towards the naval base.

After the USS Miami passed Eastern Point, we headed down to the Naval Base. It was so heartwarming to see all of the families on base waiting for their loved ones. We were able to watch the tug boats lead the sub in. As a special surprise Santa showed up and led all of the daddies and husbands home. There was lots of flag waving, noisemakers and signs. Everyone was anxiously anticipating the securing of the sub and the opening of the pier to family. Check out Lucy’s Daddy doll…is that not the cutest idea ever?