Oh, the places you'll go!: The 1/2 Way Point Fly In!

Half Way There

There are perks to being in a forward deployed squadron... one of them being that families live closer to where the boat pulls in for their port calls so it is easier to meet our spouses every few months during deployment and one of those port calls happen to be here (in Japan!). Whenever we near the half way mark of the year's deployment, we get to have a temporary homecoming. How cool is that?!

The Fly In

So before the ship pulls into port, most of the pilots get to fly off the boat and come straight to NAF Atsugi (home). We were so lucky and grateful that not only was Rob one of those pilots, he got to fly off even earlier. For now we will ignore the fact he only flew home early just to spend his "break" in the Point Mugu, California for training.

This was our first fly in for Rob, as last deployment he walked off the boat which was equally exciting! Robby and I arrived at the squadron along with a few other spouses and Auntie Amanda and Uncle Shreve (our family friends from college who also happen to be stationed here). Everyone was dressed up to greet their husbands and dads! Robby wore his aviator glasses along with his Mickey Mouse aviator overalls. I opted out of the traditional heels and dress and went for comfort... ever try running after a toddler in heels while trying to keep your dress from flying up on the tarmac? Yeah, not a pretty sight for this gal! Auntie Amanda and Shreve brought their camera and took some pictures while we waited to hear for Rob's plane up above. We were so grateful for their support and help in trying to capture those moments as we anticipated Dada's return. More often then not, a geographically single mom that is stationed overseas ends up on the other side of the lens. So we were grateful for their help in capturing the moment.

We heard the humming of Rob's plane and everyone looked up and saw the mighty E2 headed straight for us. They did a beautiful break overhead and Robby was in awe. What little boy doesn't like airplanes!? After the break they came in for their final approach and within minutes, they pulled straight ahead of the squadron.

Rob coming in for the break

Robby could not take his eyes off the plane

"Hi, Dada!"

Reunited! (for now)

The moment that we heard the engines winding down and the props came to a stop, everyone clapped and the kids and wives revved their engines waiting for the door to pop open so they can run to their respective family members.

This was an especially special moment for us... it was the first time Robby would walk to Rob. He has seen Robby balance standing and barely take a step, but missed his progression to full on walking. This meant that we were a tad slower than the other spouses and kids, but once Robby saw Dada, he decided he could cover more ground by crawling. It was an absolutely priceless moment!

It is said that being a military spouse is juts about the hardest job out there, but I can certainly say that it comes with the greatest perks. Having a reunion like that rivals just about any romance novel or film.