What an action packed month!  Mike's two weeks of R&R felt like a month.  God blessed the in too many ways to list, and I was even able to put some of my newly learned skills into practice cooking a last minute dinner for Mike, Amy, Joshua and I.

Highlights:

• Meeting Mike at the gate, and a spontaneous "heroe's return" clap from the other passengers.  He was surprised that we had made it past security, and everyone was charmed by Joshua's exclamation "That's my Daddy!"
• Welcome home dinner with all of our family on the night Mike came home.  Everyone got to see Mike, hug him, and love on him and enjoy time together.
• Potty Training Joshua - Mike wanted to be involved and we were crazy to try this the day after Mike returned back!  He had been delayed a few days and we wanted to get it started before our San Francisco trip.  Incredibly stressful!!! But now, incredibly rewarding!!  An important shared memory for our little family.
• Valentine's Day double date with Amy & Joshua.  Joshua was a pretty good date, even if he didn't have flowers for his Auntie.  What fun to share a day of love with those we love so much.
• SAN FRANCISCO!  Too much to list, but the bicylce ride to Sausalito and Tiburon was the highlight of our time there. Lunch in China town, Chinese ballet, wandering and walking all over town, a foggy coastal drive and the most delightful breakfast I've ever had at the Farmhouse Inn.  Thank you Mom & Dad Freeman!
• Fun with Joshua - kite flying, his first movie, hiking to 7 falls (16 creek crossings in icy cold water!)
• Fun with family - zoo, Craig's birthday celebration, pizza dinner and more

Now it's been 10 days since he's gone back to Iraq and Joshua and I are starting to get back into our normal routine.  I think it's time to COOK!

Here's the menu:
Steak with Bernaise Sauce - Ribeye steaks
Vegetable Tian - a bed of sauteed onions covered with sliced zucchini, tomoato and potato, drizzled with olive oil and baked, finished with grated cheese.
Dessert: Ile Flottante - Floating Islands of meringue, with caramel, pralines, and creme anglaise.