All great things come to those who wait. Right? Today, I met up with Rachel to capture all the special moments of her husbands homecoming.
Here is Rachel’s homecoming story-
Getting ready to head to the back of the building (they were on a mission to find the bus)
Patiently waiting for her husband. Just in time, she got a phone call from her mom & it helped to bring a smile to her face
On May 30, 2011 I received a private message on my facebook page Mrs.Vance inquiring about photography for her husbands homecoming. The months following our initial messages seemed to fly by for me but for her I am sure some days were much much longer than others – however the hours turned into days, the days turned into months, the months turned into a year. 369 days to be exact!
Finally – January 13th, 2012 in the @ 3pm I finally had the chance to meet Mrs.Vance & their precious baby girl Brooklynn (15mths old) aboard Camp LeJeune for the 8th Regiment/RCT-8 Homecoming. I am guesstimating we waited for 2 hours outside with winds blowing up to 20mph with a high of 34…..we waited for Sgt.Vance step off the bus and back into his families arms! 
After these kiddos realized I was super cool and we could just hang out, relax and play the session went smooth! The Cooney family rocks.
Tanner’s daddy will deploy shortly before Tanner’s 1st birthday… but before that could happen we met up and snapped a few photos for them to have. Safe travels and wishes to your daddy, Tanner… and hugs to you and your mommy! 
The definition of super mom: an exemplary mother; also : a woman who performs the traditional duties of housekeeping and child-rearing while also having a full-time job. 
I honestly feel that there should be a picture of this mom next to that definition. She is one ahhhh-mazing woman!
Melissa’s husband is a US Marine who has spent the last 7 months in Afghanistan away from his wife, five children, family and friends. Melissa & I have been playing phone tag in regards to her husbands homecoming. Until late last night when I finally got ‘the phone call’ saying “April I believe they have arrived in Cherry Point & are on their way to Camp LeJeune!” Needless to say in the end we had more than enough time – no need to rush. So we hung out & had the chance to watch the kiddos run & play while they anxiously waited for their daddy! 
Now every spouse has their reasons for hiring a photographer to capture the homecoming moments. Melissa wanted a photographer at her husband’s homecoming because her 6 yr old son learned how to walk while he was deployed and she planned on surprising him. Here is Michael showing his daddy for the first time that he can walk! 
Family time. 
The Cooney family back together again. 
Happy Thanksgiving, to all those celebrating that this week. I’m so thankful to be together with family during this holiday time. even with the noise & mess level raised a bit. That’s part of the fun. : )
A few random things I’m grateful for, in addition to all the BIG things (family, friends, peace, home, health, freedom & Church
- 8 hours of sleep last night
- a few new things I learned about my computer & Photoshop this week
- leaves in my yard…..(that’s something to be thankful for)
- shopping yesterday (with my sister & daughter)
- Christmas decorations are up
- digital photography
- very kind e-mails from some of you (thanks!)
- mailed some holiday cards to my friends Saturday & knowing it will cheer them up next week when they get it
- found the perfect child to buy Christmas presents for off the angel tree
Have a WONDERFUL rest of the week!
