Once Last Quick Goodbye

Abigail and I went to visit Stephen one last time before he heads off to Iraq. We were there Friday to Tuesday (supposed to be Thursday to Monday but my flight was canceled). We had a really nice visit. Time went by so fast as we knew it would.

We got to see where Stephen lives. If you look at this building he is on the second floor second door from the left.

Of course it isn't the biggest place I've ever been in, but he gets by. This is the room from the inside. He has his own living space which consists of a bedroom that has a twin bed, a dresser, a desk and a window. There is a sink and counter and walk in closet in his space also. There is a door that leads to the shared kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen has a fridge, sink, microwave, counter space, cupboards and two person table and chairs.

Hey, it beats living in a 40 man bay in a bunk bed and showering with a bunch of other guys every day.

Here is a picture of the closet full of Stephen's gear. Yea, if he is taking up a whole walk in closet with nothing but Army gear I want to know where we are going to put all of our clothes when we live together again!! MY CLOSET!

Okay parents don't freak out!! Yes, Stephen got a tattoo. A soldier ain't a soldier til a soldiers been tattooed (There's No Business Like Show Business -except soldier is sailor). He has been wanting this tattoo for 10 years. We figured before you go to war you are allowed to do something outrageous. It is below the neckline completely. He only wants this one in his lifetime. It will not hinder any promotions in any way being on his back and completely covered. It was the smartest spot to put it (if there is such a thing). Even better than the foot I would say.

Abigail and Daddy really got to bond. We were sad that the boys couldn't come too, but it was too expensive. At least the one on one time gave Stephen and Abigail a chance to get to know each other a little better before he leaves. She will so big when he gets back. We all know videos and pictures can never really capture your child.

Logan had a little action of his own while I was gone. He thought it would be a good idea to play too close to the edge of the play equipment at the park. Grandma Kay was telling him to watch out behind him there was a whole but he thought he would be funny and back away from her. Well, needless to say it didn't end well. Logan fractured his right collar bone. He will be fine. He will not require surgery. He keeps his arm in the sling for the most part and doesn't use his it.

I tried to use a scarf of mine to help keep his arm against his body better and keep his arm from coming out the bottom of the sling. He did well but even the smallest sling was too big for his tiny frame. This helped. Poor little dude.

Zack will be heading to Illinois next week to spend two weeks with family there. We were all going to go but I have to start thinking about saving up for our move to Texas. He is so excited it's just about all he talks about. He will be braving the airplane solo. I'm stressed about it but I don't think he is. I am even more upset because I can't even take him to the airport. Due to him being a minor he has to have direct flights only and the only flight I could find that was affordable was out of Phoenix. With Abigail breastfeeding and Logan being broken it just isn't possible for me to make the trip.