Photos from Ray's deployment

Ray left this morning :( The kids did well although I'm pretty sure they don't understand what a deployment really means. We will be okay, although I'm sure we will have some challenging days ahead! Here are some of the photos I took as we said our goodbyes:

Ray tagging his bags

Ellie, totally unaware of what's going on (but still cute as ever!)

The Marines were calling roll, as Ray and the kids looked on

Emeline, who understands the most (although she doesn't fully understand),

stuck pretty close to Ray.

The back of the bus

The last hug goodbye

The kids seemed to be okay, although it's probably only because they don't realize how long Ray will actually be gone. Emeline was upset because she couldn't ride the bus to school today and Everett made a fuss when we left because he wanted to ride the big white bus LOL We prepared them as well as we could, hopefully it was well enough! It's going to be tough but I know we'll make it through with the support, prayers and love of our family and friends.

Thanks for being there for us! Take Care