Welcome Home Uncle Randal!

This post is all about my dear baby bro. Last year he decided to join the army. He had to wait until this past spring to begin his journey at bootcamp in Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia. Well, after 14 weeks of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion, he passed his tests and headed home. To say that we were excited and proud is somewhat of an understatement! I could feel the tears in my eyes and throat each time I just thought about him walking off the plane. So, after a missed flight and other delays, Randal finally made it home in early May. 

Of course, no photo session would be complete without my sister being crazy! :o)

We made signs the night before so that we would make sure he saw us! ;o)

And, of course, Mickey had to make the journey!

Little Ray hanging out

Emma, Heather, and Jenna each displaying their signs! 

Ems made her sign herself and completely out of her heart. It was so sweet!

We are getting anxious for his arrival!

All the boys and Nana trying to see a plane out the windows.

Waiting

He's HOME!! Woo-hoo!!! It was so great to see his face!! 

I didn't realize how much I missed my little bro!

Lots of tearful hugs

The cute little couple

Siblings minus the Brit

I just loved seeing his name on everything! 

It made me proud to see Shanta clearly displayed on all of his military gear!

The group walking to find Randal's bags. 

And, yes, Holly making the picture more interesting!!

Ems would not leave Randal's side. She held his hand at every turn in the airport!

Well, at least he hasn't change TOO much!

There's my little bro! 

So proud! 

He was here for about 4 weeks. He just recently left for Fort Lewis in Seattle, Washington. He will be stationed there for the next three years. Randal is part of the infantry section of his brigade. He will be training on one of the guns in one of the strikers (army vehicle). I know I didn't say ANY of the correctly, but that's the best military I've got for now! Ha! We are excited for him and this new journey in his life. We've prayed and prayed that God would guide him and teach him many valuable lessons. I can't wait to go visit him sometime this next year and see how he continues to change into a man of God!