Military homecomings are one of my favorite things ever! Just being there you can feel the many emotions of those waiting for their loved ones to return, from excitement and anxiety to joy and love. It is a one of a kind experience. I may be speaking for myself when I say this, but the best way to describe how you feel when your significant other is coming home is the feeling like you are going to throw up and have diarrhea at the same time. (I’m hoping at least one other person can identify with that so I don’t feel totally crazy…and sorry for the terrible visual.) Nothing makes you feel more thankful for the men and women who serve this country than seeing them come home to their families who they have sacrificed precious time with. From missing birthdays, Christmases and holidays to anniversaries and seeing their children grow up, these men and women give up so much to serve this great country!

Sara contacted me to photograph her husband’s final homecoming. He is with the USS Jason Dunham and will be getting out of the Navy next year. I was so excited, not only because I love homecomings, but because I have never been to a ship homecoming. It was so awesome watching the USS Jason Dunham come in as the families cheered! After a 7 month deployment the excitement of the homecoming definitely builds up. We had great weather and even had a DJ for some entertainment while we waited. Here are some of my favorites from the session.

The kids had plenty of energy and had a blast playing with the pom poms, beads and signs.

Lucy had no problem entertaining herself during the long wait for her dad and showed off her dance moves.

She definitely has a future in dance, cheerleading or gymnastics. She is such a cutie!

…and some more awesome dance moves!

The ship finally arrived and the uncontrollable excitement was bursting from the patiently waiting families.

They finally spot him on the ship!

Now time for more waiting for them to come off the ship.

Finally he makes it off the ship and Lucy ran into his arms! It was so sweet!

Welcome home and thank you for your service and allowing me to capture this special day!