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TIM IS HOME!

I picked him up late last night alone at the airport which was quite a treat. After we arrived home, Tim wanted to open a bottle of wine. I then introduced him to his ‘new house’. I have done a lot of moving things around since he left. He couldn’t believe how big and clean the house seemed compared to his living arrangements. He even commented on the size of the bananas. He also stopped to smell the flowers as he passed by two fresh bouquets. I am not sure I ever remember him paying particular attention to blooms in the past.

We snuck into each child’s room. Gage was first. Tim rubbed his head and nuzzled into his neck. He said to me, “You cannot imagine what it is like not to hold your children for almost a year.” When Tim left Gage was in diapers and a crib. He saw him for the first time in a real bed.

Briggs was next. He picked up his spindly body and said, “It’s your daddy.” Even in the middle of the darkness, I could see Briggs’ smile. He just melted into his shoulders.

We then peeked in on the girls. Tim was amazed at how their bodies now fill up their cribs. When they left, the twins were babies…exclusively on bottles, not walking, not talking. This morning he got a first glimpse at how much they have grown and crazy they have become…wielding swords, talking (back), jumping, dancing…

We are all overjoyed having the Stoner Six intact. Briggs talked for an hour this morning without stopping. He hardly took a breath. Gage just wants to wrestle and tell him all of the things he can now do. The girls want to sit in his lap and be held. And…is there any better feeling than being loved?

I can sense some significant experiences have affected Tim deeply. For now…we are just going to relish in family time.

Oh…lots of pictures to upload soon.

18 Responses

  1. You are so right…treasured family time. I think we all respect and understand that. When anyone drives by your home, I honestly believe they will see the beams of happy light radiating from your roof. Take time, savor each precious moment and embrace the moments. You deserve them and much much more.
    We all love you beyond measure.
    Mom
    xoxoxo

    WELCOME HOME MAJOR TIM!!!! SEE YOU SOON!!!

    Jean - February 14th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
  2. WELCOME HOME MAJOR STONER!

    You are so right…treasured family time. I think we all respect and understand that. When anyone drives by your home, I honestly believe they will see the beams of happy light radiating from your roof. Take time, savor each precious moment and embrace the moments. You deserve them and much much more.
    We all love you beyond measure.
    Mom

    Jean - February 14th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
  3. How do you put tears in an email? Welcome Home!

    Aunt 9 - February 14th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
  4. Welcome Home from the T Rowe Family:

    As you know you are a hero to us all and we wish you a pleasant time at home. Enjoy every minute.

    We are off to Peru tomorrow for a vacation with family and will not miss a day of the blog.

    We love the Stoner Six,

    The TRowe Family

    TRowe - February 14th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
  5. Welcome home Tim! What a great Valentine’s Day present for all of you.

    I know it goes unsaid…enjoy your time at home!

    Love to all,
    Anthony, Ann, Isabella & Audrey Claire

    Ann Smith - February 14th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
  6. I second Aunt 9’s comment. I can ONLY imagine the incredible energy that is filling your home and especially your hearts. ALL my love and support….. I am SO SO SO SO happy for you,

    Winden

    Winden - February 15th, 2008 at 12:25 am
  7. Tim welcome home. So glad you are back in the comfort of the States and your family. Enjoy every moment!

    Chuck

    Chuck Stevens - February 15th, 2008 at 9:56 am
  8. Welcome Home Mr. Stoner!!!

    George Henry - February 15th, 2008 at 10:55 am
  9. Welcome home Tim! Sorry I have not written before. I think of you often and have been keeping up on the blog. I appreciate all you (and Tiffany) do for your country! FYI I saw my first Blackhawk in person at the Chicago Autoshow. Impressive! Cole and Noah loved it!

    Gary Boehm - February 15th, 2008 at 11:14 am
  10. We are so glad you are back where you belong!!!! Love to you all!

    Susan, Stewart, Macie, Chase, Owen and Avery

    Susan - February 15th, 2008 at 11:21 am
  11. I am so happy you made it home in time for Valentines day, that makes it even more special (if that’s possible). Don’t worry about the boys, I’ll make sure the Brick & the other old timers keep things running smoothly. Enjoy each other & don’t hurry back, I think I have enough coffee & cigars to tide me over.

    Jerome - February 15th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
  12. Welcome home Tim!!!! So happy for all of you. ENJOY!

    Maggie - February 15th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
  13. Welcome home Tim. What a Valentines gift !! Thanks for your service to our country.

    Dave Clements - February 15th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
  14. Tim, Tiffany, Briggs, Gage, Emerson, and Campbell~

    David sent out a beautiful Valentine card. All of us in Unionville think this is the most joyous Valentine message we’ve ever read. We are so glad you are home. God bless you and all those who love you.
    Barbara Rowe

    Barbara Rowe - February 15th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
  15. Welcome home Tim! We cannot imagine the joy your family must feel! A family of six is so special! Enjoy every moment and know that you are very loved!

    God bless all of you!
    Love, Anita, Lou, Sam, Cole, Isabel & Simon

    Anita - February 15th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
  16. WELCOME HOME, Tim!!!!
    We know your whole family is thrilled! Enjoy every second of spending time with your family!
    Can’t wait to see pictures!!!

    Allison - February 15th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
  17. Just read the two recent posts. Simply outstanding and moving. Your friends, family and neighbors share completely in your joy and wish you the best!

    Love, The Creekstone Zimpfers

    Matt, Tracy and Boys - February 16th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
  18. Matthias…

    Looks like a lot of hard work & effort went into this, great work…

    Matthias - June 28th, 2008 at 3:04 am

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