AmyPyeBlog: My Soldier, My Husband, My Hero

To make sure Brandon knew we were EXCITED to have him home and so PROUD of the man that he is and the job that he did, I made sure our house and car were appropriately decorated before Maddie and I went to GA to pick him up!

My car "Bambie"

Front door

Back doors/windows

Love notes from our young family members! :)
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Rocky, the 3ID Mascot

Brandon was originally scheduled to arrive at 6:10am on Wed. Dec 8. And after a few more changes, and a ice delay in Germany, the final arrival time was scheduled for Thurs. Dec 9 at 2:45am. Well, Madison knew something was up with Mommy and she too could not sleep, so at 1:30am we were off to the field. However, it was under 30 degrees so we stayed in the car until about 2:15am. To pass the time, we played, took photos and laughed.

This girl was 100% meant for me!

It was finally time to bundle up and head out to the field, we were met by my Dad, Mom, Brother and friend Bryan.

On the field we got hugs from Chris (Brandon's dad), Trinna (Brandon's step-mom), Grandpa and Grandma Pye (Chris' parents.) We were shortly joined with the rest of our group, Kelly (Brandon's Mom), Lou (Brandon's Step-dad) and Alex (Brandon's younger sister.) We all stood around FREEZING and chattering with excitement! We were ready and oh so impatient...but we really did try to be good. ;)

Maddie, My mom and Brandon's mom

Me with the AWESOME banner Kelly and Lou made for us!

Grandpa Pye, Chris, Kent, Erik and Bryan

Trinna, Chris, Grandpa and Grandma Pye

I really cannot explain what it's like to see six large white buses pull up and know, that after 51 weeks, you will get to hug your husband again and take him home! One of those is carrying MY soldier and soon he will be all MINE! I was mid-conversation with Chris (sorry Chris) when they announced "HERE THEY ARE!" I immediately said "sorry, I got to go" and RAN behind the bleachers to catch a glimpse of our soldiers/buses. I started balling as soon as they came by. I had full intentions of screaming my head off, knowing full well Brandon would hear me, I think I underestimated the crowd size, number of buses and my emotions! My gloves kept my hands silent but I knew my joy was obvious by my rapid jumping with excitement!

The Buses pulling in

After the buses rounded the corner, they parked back behind some LARGE trees and the soldiers took FOREVER unloading and then getting into formation! We screamed "hurry up", "YAHOO" and much more while they got ready to march. It was probably only about 5 minutes but it felt like a eternity knowing Brandon was only a few feet away!! It was very intense. We stood in total anticipation as we watched feet (remember this is 3:30am) moving in the shadows, behind the trees. Then all 240 soldiers marched out onto Contrell Field. I LOST IT!!! The whole crowd went crazy! I was screaming my head off and it took everything in me to not run out to that field and try to find MY soldier! However, I was full warned by the announcer that there was a order to things. So I maintained my "proper" jumping up and down and screaming (which also helped me stay warm.)

Soldier's marching out onto the field

After singing the National Anthem, The 3ID song, The Army Song and a VERY brief talk from a guest speaker, they said "okay, go get your soldier" and I ran into the crowd of soldiers yelling "BRANDON PYE....BRANDON PYE" I was in a sea of camo and was thanking God for having Alex (Brandon's sister) next to me, because if he could not hear one of us...he would never hear anyone. We were a dynamic LOUD duo! Finally, out of the corner of my eye, I saw him and RAN AS FAST AS I COULD and jumped into his arms. It was the most amazing feeling!! His version goes as follows "I heard people yelling my name and suddenly was smacked HARD by a entire person!" LOL...THAT WOULD BE ME! :) hee hee.

FIRST HUG in a lonnngggg time!

I could not get enough kisses!!

Or huggies, I wanted a million more and more and more! :)

It was honestly one of the most wonderful nights/mornings I have ever had. My mom said "I don't think I've seen you this happy since your wedding day"...and I think she was right! Maddie's birth was happy and exciting, but we all know how much a mother goes through. LOL.

We got in some great family photos after the ceremony, then we were off to pick up Brandon's bags and head home! Our journey continues this year...TOGETHER...and we surely do ask for prayers as we join our family again and continue this transition that this God-given life brings us.