The day Joe got back.

He was gone for a total of 71 days. When he leaves in January we will have 179 days to go. It seems like so long.

Joe came back with four bags, a backpack and his riffle. It's a little scary thinking about him carrying this gun with him when he leaves. Bryson really wanted to check it out, but we told him maybe later.

When we got home we let Joe blow out the candles on his brownies and open his presents. He was so excited and surprised.

Then Joe wanted to show the boys some of his gear. The funnest part was when the boys put on daddy's bullet proof vest. It weighs about 30 pounds. Carter kept giggling it was so heavy.



Growing up I never tried on a bullet proof vest, that I can remember. No need to, didn't know anyone with one, it didn't even cross my mind. Here my boys are 6 and 3 and they don't even realize how important the vest is, and what it's job will be for the next 6 months.