I'll see you later

When I was young I always remember 

my great grandpa saying 

"I'll see you later" 

he never said "Good Bye" 

because "good bye" to him was the end. 

"I'll see you later insured that it wasn't the end.

and that he would in fact "See you later". 

The weekend of St. Patricks day 

Jenn, Scott and myself traveled 

down to Gatlinburg TN to meet 

with my Aunt L, Uncle R, Cousin Kiel, his daughter N,

 Jillian, Josh and the girls. 

It was the official trip to hand over of the girls 

before Jillian's deployment.

Josh works full time and goes to school full time 

and with Jillian gone it would mean the girls 

would be in daycare all day and with a sitter 

during the evening. They decided it would be 

best for the girls to be up north with family. 

Josh will be up often to spend time with them, 

and we will be making quite a few trips down 

with the girls to the sunshine state!

The weekend was spent laughing, telling stories, 

shopping, and playing with 3 adorable little girls!

Before we knew it, it was time to leave. 

I found my self standing there watching 

My family pack up their trucks 

choking back tears. 

I stood in line and waited to hug 

Jillian one last time for the next 6 months. 

and when it was my turn I squeezed her tight 

for as long as I could and when it was time, I didn't 

say "good bye" I said I will "see you later" 

because I will. 

I know time will creep by while she is gone. 

But I also know her two beautiful babies are here

with us, filling our hearts with joy 

and bringing smiles to our faces.

Plus we are hoping

 we will get to see her often through FaceTime. 

Here are a few memories from our trip! 

Hiking on Day 2 before the others arrived :)

Yittle Bitty Jenn

Scott was a little excited to finally get to the Condo

my love helping me down the hill

just Jenn doing some yoga on this massive rock!

what started as an act...ended with him getting really wet!

uphill with lots in the way

Finally!! Sunshine!

random waterfall

Miss Mia being as silly as could be!

Peyton full of smiles! I love those little teeth :)

Mia Marie being a ham for the camera!

Mia and N "Girl Talk"

Smiley P!

She is growing up to fast! and she LOVES the camera :)

P on a mission to get the bubble bottle!

Oh you know... Just Jenn being Jenn :D

Scrap book Jenn and I made for Jillian to take with her!

sun. shadows. love.

 I talked to Jillian yesterday as she waited in Baltimore
to board her plane to Kuwait..
I sobbed after I hung up the phone.

I am counting down the hours until I receive the
"I'm here!" email.

I  ♥ you Jillian Leigh! I can't for you to return home!!