Don is off to begin his mission.

Today marks one week, exactly, almost to the minute (ironically), that Don boarded his plane to begin his journey. First stop: Ft. Lewis, Washington (state). The boys and I took him to the airport. Don traveled in uniform which has it's perks...we were able to accompany him to the gate which worked out well. His flight was delayed a bit. And we had time to have lunch together and visit before we said our farewells.

People are so respectful and nice to a guy in uniform. It's nice that he's appreciated...and thanked by people who don't even know him. I'm proud of him.

Benjamin really enjoyed hanging out at the airport with Daddy. Then he fell asleep all the way back to the car!

As soon as we arrived home, Benjamin noticed Daddy's car and said "Daddy's home!" ahh. The challenges begin. I again explained to him on his terms that Daddy left on the airplane to work with the Army and that he'll be gone a long time.

Don called around 12:30 a.m. the night he left. There is a 3 hour time change which makes him calling back here a lil challenging at times. He arrived without a problem and they have him set up in some lovely old barracks from WWII. He said it brings him back to the simpler days when he first went off to advance camp (which was also at Ft. Lewis). So, he arrived and went to church and got somewhat settled in before that brief phone call home to let me know he arrived.

Benjamin's been great! His rambuxious self. We rode in Daddy's car the other night and some questions about Daddy arose again. And everytime we see an airplane he thinks Daddy is in it. It makes you wonder what's going on in that 2 year old's mind and what does he really understand? hmm.

Well, Don left on Wednesday and on Friday my sister-in-law, Nancy and neice, Ellen arrived. We have been having a nice visit. It's awesome to have the help. I have to admit I am getting quite spoiled! They will be here until Sunday.

Don has called a few times since he left but usually it is in the evenings and Benjamin has been sleeping. So, we arranged for him to call last night so he could talk to Benjamin. We went up to the pool after dinner and rushed home to be there at 7:30 p.m. for Daddy's call. But there was already a couple of messages on the answering machine. Really? That's it? We're going to miss Daddy's call? I was a bit deflated. He was going to go to a baseball game with a couple of other guys. Great for him! But wait...he said he'd try to call one more time before they were off. Phew.

7:40 p.m. Phone rings. It's Daddy! Hip Hip Hooray! Don was able to borrow a cell phone from someone on the way to the ball game. After Benjamin heard Daddy's message on the machine all he was focused on was the fact that Daddy was going to a baseball game. So, Don tries to ask some questions and Benjamin is interested, briefly. Then says "I wanna go to a baseball game." Someday, lil buddy. Then he makes his other usual conversation "I wanna go to Great Wolf Lodge. I slept in a bunk bed. I'll call you back." That's it. That's all Benj had to say today.

I feel a bit relieved that he didn't ask when he was coming home or ask where he was. We talk briefly too and say goodnight. Time for Benjamin to get to bed.