Semper Fi...

It means "always faithful" and is the motto of the U.S. Marine Corps.

My brother is a Marine.  He has been deployed to Afghanistan, he left last week.

We have known for some time now that this was going to happen.  I went to Charlotte in June to see him one last time before he left.  I just haven't been able to blog about it... as you can imagine, it is emotional.

So when I was in Charlotte, we got to spend a lot of great time with Eric!  He was able to have a week off before his deployment and he got to see most of our family and friends.  My parents hosted a little party at their house.  Here is me with some of my cousins...

Also while we were there, my dad put up a swing set for Colin!  And as you know, Colin loves to swing!  So this was a major hit!

It was so great to hang out with Eric!  We had such a great time - it was very upbeat and fun.  We just enjoyed everything.  Garet was missing (he had to work... boo!) but it was good to have the rest of the family together.  Colin loved hanging out!  In fact, he showed Eric how to drive the ice cream truck!

We had a great time at the party!  My parents had BBQ, yummy!  There was corn hole (which I still haven't really ever played!)  and Aunt Kailey kept Colin happy

By the way... that's Morgan Laine Davis that Colin is sitting on =)
I think everyone had a good time!  And you can see that Colin is completely taken by his Uncle Eric!

After dinner, everyone got to hang out.  My parents have a pool table, so Eric and my dad took on Eric's best friend and his dad.  I'm pretty sure Eric and dad won =)

Once everyone left, mom, dad, me, Eric and Kailey were left hanging out.  I think we were all just enjoying every.single.moment that none of us wanted to go to bed!  In fact, we had a competition...
Mom had some gum, so Eric and I tried to see who could blow a double bubble first!

(Eric won, but that's besides the point) 

The next day, Eric and Kailey left to head back to Camp Lejeune.  Eric isn't big on taking pictures, but I warned him that we were taking a lot =)

And he, of course, was fine with that!  We had such a great visit!  And I just can't wait to give him a big hug in a few months!  Our military is amazing.  I really have no words for how proud I am of my little brother.

My little brother, who is going to be a daddy in less than 3 months!  I am so proud of you Eric!  I love you!!