April 12, 2014. The day Nick separated from the Army and we all had to fly back to the states. We tried to delay it, but it was not to be. I would have loved to stay in Italy, and a part of me probably always will be there. I miss it so much already. I think I cried more than a few times on the flight. When we arrived at the airport in the states the man at customs said “welcome back”, but for my little Declan it should have just been “welcome”. It’s crazy to think how long we have been away!
Jonah was super excited for the in flight movies, I think he watched at least three. The only other flights he can remember are Ryan air within Europe…no movies on those flights!
The army allows 4 checked bags per person and one carry on. We were worried about our shipment being overweight so we maxed out what we could bring on the plane. We brought 16 bags (mostly in boxes because no one has that much luggage!), 4 carry-ons, a stroller with two children in it, two car seats and a pack and play. We were worried about our transfer in the states, but apparently they are used to crazy people like us (or knew we were coming??) because these two guys with huge carts started loading all our stuff up without even asking. We were so jet lagged we just said thank you…and they stood there with angry looks on their faces. I think they had to tell us they required tips…we were so out of it.
When we arrived in Salt Lake we had three or four vehicles there to pick us up. Thank you so much Lloyd family! We all made it and so did all our stuff!
The boys were excited to have a delayed Christmas at Grandma’s (we didn’t want anything sent at Christmas as we were preparing to move).
April was a whirlwind. Nick and I both hit the ground running. We thought the bank would let us use the GI bill for a loan for a house (it provides a generous housing stipend while you are in school), but apparently that doesn’t count as income. So we spent April job hunting first before we can house hunt. The Lloyd’s have been kind enough to take us in while we figure out where we are going to settle.
We enjoyed our first holiday back in the USA, Easter with the Lloyds. They even provided my kids with their own personal Easter egg hunt. I think we are going to like living near family!
We did lot’s of fun things in April. including going to the nickelcade.
Hiking to bridal veil falls.
Shooting Nick’s new gun (now that we are stateside he feels it is his responsibility to add himself to the list of responsible gun owners in the states. Not something he ever would have considered before the military.)
Adjusting to the time zone…jet lag!
The jumping place (trampolines and foam pits! So fun!)
Eating GOOD mexican food!!!! And Declan apparently like SPICY!!
And just going for a stroll.
We managed to get a photo of all the Lloyd kids in one place for the first time in at least three years.
