Why we love being home from Japan!

Our two years in Japan were VERY cool in a ton of ways (most notably, the amazing people that we 'lived with' and the support structure of the Wives Club!!). However, Adam's schedule was so demanding while the ship was in port, in addition to appx 7 months/year that they were deployed, that we felt like we really missed out on being a "family" for 2 years. Unfortunately, that was the first two years of Elise's life. Being back in the USA with a normal 8-5ish job is SUCH A BLESSING! We're able to see each other daily, enjoy just hanging out, and Adam gets to be the dad to Elise and Ainsley that he couldn't while we were overseas. As Easter arrives tomorrow, we've obviously been reflecting on things we're thankful for, great things God does, etc... We truly are thankful EVERY DAY that we're back in the States and that we've been blessed with this family. I think God is pleased when we find pleasure in just being with the people He created us to be with. I love it. This picture is from Friday afternoon...Adam got home a little early and we walked up the street to the pond in our neighborhood. Elise got to cast her fishing rod for the first time into WATER (Adam put a hook/bait/bobber) on it. She had SO MUCH fun. Adam was truly 'in his element' teaching her how to fish. Ainsley and I sat on a bench next to them and just enjoyed the moment. Although no fish were caught (I'm glad for that! I hate slimy fish and feel so bad for them with a hook in their little lips! Don't tell Adam!), we all enjoyed the sun setting over our little pond and the time we spent together without cell phones, tv, etc...
HAPPY EASTER.