Happy Homecoming!

Patrick returned home on December 18th, 2012 after almost 9 months at sea. Our cousin Taryn was so sweet to offer to be at homecoming to take pictures for us so I'm going to let the pictures do the talking here!

Waiting for daddy! HK (L), Char (R)

Even Santa came to Homecoming. HK with Santa

HK with Mrs. Claus

You can see how Charlotte feels about the Claus family ;)

LSD 44, USS Gunston Hall pulling in. What a sweet sight!

It began raining as his ship was pulling in so we waited inside the big tent. Char (L), HK (R)

Happy Charlotte

There was a guy there who made balloon animals and shapes. The girls were amazed :) HK (L), Char (R)

What a perfect homecoming balloon! Red, White, & Blue heart. HK (L) & Char (R)

Waiting for Daddy. HK(L) & Char (R)

Where's my daddy?

The girls looked right past Patrick when he came up and kept looking for Daddy.

Mom, you keep saying "Look, it's daddy!" but we don't see him.

First time father and son meet.

First kiss

What a happy man!

Wait Patrick, I don't think the girls can recognize you with your hat on.

Oh, there he is!

My favorite happy boys!

The girls aren't quite sure that it's really daddy. Char (L), HK (R)

HK is such a daddy's girl! She started giving him smiles right away!

Charlotte started to give small smiles once he gave her "energy"

HK loves getting "energy" from daddy.

Char (L), HK (R)

Char still trying to decide if she believes it's really daddy.

First hug!

Char still contemplating if this is really dad.

I will hold this man's hand but I'm still not convinced it's really him. Char (L), HK (R)

The girls had preschool that morning and their teachers helped them make "Welcome Home Daddy" signs. They were so proud to hold them up for him :)

Charlotte

First picture as a family of 5. L to R: Hannah Kate, Christy, Charlotte, Micah, Patrick

Charlotte finally decides it must be daddy and gives him a kiss :)

Ahh, going home at last! Welcome home Patrick!