Joe and I had a great time in the States for 16 days.  Visiting with our families is always nice, especially after not seeing them for a year.  We knew our trip home was going to be crazy but we had no idea just how crazy.  It started off with a big surprise our first day back when we found out we were expecting a baby in September.  Luckily we were near a military base while in Alabama so we headed to the clinic to confirm.  We are beyond excited and couldn’t have asked for better news to share with our families.

My not-so-pregnant belly at 5 weeks.

We took a Taylor Family trip to Biloxi, Mississippi for some gambling and fun.  Too bad I couldn’t drink but I had a great time anyway.

Joe and I at the Isle of Capri

It’s rare to get all 4 Taylor boys together.  Another reason we went to Biloxi for the weekend was to see JT, who was at Keesler AFB for NCO Academy.  It was great to see him again and the brothers had a great time catching up.

You can’t visit Biloxi without stopping at the Biloxi Schooner Restaurant.  Steve and Vicki took us here and it was so yummy.  If you’re ever in Biloxi, you must try it.

From Biloxi, Joe and I headed to Destin, Florida to spend some time with my parents who flew down from freezing cold PA.   We had a great week with my parents, golfing and shopping, as if there’s anything else to do.

Dinner at the New Orleans Creole Cookery at the Village at Baytowne Wharf.

Yes, I know we’re goofy and love silly poses when on vacation.

My dad on the golf course.

A rainy day was perfect for bowling.

After saying goodbye to my folks we headed back to Dothan for SuperBowl Sunday.  Joe’s dad and his wife came down to visit and we had a nice relaxing visit with them.

A picture of the Taylor boys (from left to right) JT, Joe, Steve and Tom and Tom’s 2 boys, Trevor and Thomas.

It was bittersweet leaving the States on the 5th.  We hate to say goodbye knowing it will be a while before we see everyone again but we were excited to get to Spain and get settled.