Jon's Homecoming

After 9 months at sea on his first tour in the Navy, Jon's ship finally got back into port at Norfolk on Saturday, November 15.  Ken, Kathy, Ann, Cody, and Trevor went out to meet his ship and the rest of us were able to watch a livestream at home.  I sat at my computer for two hours straight watching the ship creep into port and the sailors slowly get off the boat.  They disembarked by rank, so Jon was one of the last groups to make its way off.  

This is the first picture Kathy sent to us to let us know that they had found each other in the crowd and our boy was home!

Jon had to work a few more days on the ship before he was actually able to go on leave and come to GC.  The first time we saw him was on Friday the 21st.  The girls' school just happened to be having a lunch to honor Veterans on the day after Jon got home.  He graciously set aside some time to come have lunch with them.  We met at my mom's house before going on to the school.

Honey's first Jon hug in over 9 months.

We got to the school right as Delaney's class was walking in for lunch.  She was a little shy at first, but then gave him a big hug.

Delaney had also invited Papa Ed to be her guest since he is her other favorite veteran.

We were lucky that the girls eat lunch back-to-back, so we could take out time eating and catching up.

Harper's first Jonny hug in over 9 months.

Later that evening, we had a big party at our house so everyone could come see Jon.  He had limited time and lots of people to see, so it worked out best to have one big party for him.

Boo, Grams, and Jon

Looking at pictures of his travels.  Cate was stuck like glue to him :)

Most of the adults actually spent a lot of the night listening to Paul and Liz's stories.

Grandpa and Trevor playing Barbies.

Jon with the Welcome Home sign that three of my students made for him.