Oh, Happy Day!

I know, I know, it's been more than a few days. Sue me.

So Michael got back from Sapper School on Sunday (there's your alliteration, Michelle!). I braved the Autostrada, toll money in hand, and made it to the airport with not one single issue. We parked, realized we had about half an hour before Daddy's plane was due to land, then sat in the car and listened to Baby Einstein's version of happy-smart-kid music til it was time to go in and pick our place in the waiting area. Did I mention I had to drive the entire way with the sun visor down because...

THE SUN WAS OUT! Hallelujah, monsoon season is over!

So we got inside, checked the arrivals list and made our way over to the railing outside the passenger exit door. I swear, just looking at the crowd gathered there, you'd think Brad Pitt was about to make his presence known. After about 20 minutes of waiting (and fidgeting, if you're Jericho), Michael FINALLY came strolling out with 2 packed-full Army duffel bags and 2 packed-full backpacks...in the other direction. He glanced back at us and made the "come this way" head nod, so we waded through the Italian crowd and met with kisses and hugs and "hey, JJ's wearing shoes now" and "ya look good" and "how was your flight" and "I've got some stories for ya."

It was a happy ending to Sapper School. By the way, if any of you (all 4 of you) ever think about going to Sapper School, Michael has a study guide for you. It's a hard course.

On the way home, Michael called a co-worker and explained how he felt he needed/deserved a late call on Monday because, well, it's his anniversary and it's his birthday and he just worked 4 weeks straight with no days off. So Monday morning he got to sleep in, had breakfast with me and Jericho, and went in to work at 0930, expecting to be home by noon. At 530 that evening, he texted me to let me know he's finally done catching up and will be home soon. The whole day would've been a wash if he hadn't come bearing gifts and things to do. He bought his own anniversary gift and mine - it was planned that way - and we got to spend at least a few hours together. Now it feels like the old early-morning routine until our leave starts and we head to Ireland for a few days of rest and relaxation, Irish beer, friendly people and beautiful sights to see.