Smalls In GEORGIA!!!!!

Private First Class Thomas Wilkins a.k.a Smalls had a 36-hour family pass from boot camp so we thought we'd take advantage of the opportunity to go and visit him in Columbus, GA. After finishing my 2nd leg of the Ragnar race Josh picked me up we then went to Mike & Nicole's showered, picked up Samantha (who we were able to take with us to spend a fun weekend with her Uncle Josh & Aunt Gigi) and raced off to the airport caught a red-eye flight and landed in Atlanta at 7:00am. We then picked up the rental car and drove to Columbus. Thomas had no idea that we were bringing Samantha and it was the best surprise ever. If you look closely you can see that huge grin. We were so excited to be able to spend the next 36 hours with him.

Here we are, Jennifer, Mom, Thomas, Samanthie, Michael and Dad. Josh is not pictured b/c he is taking the picture. My mom bought us all fun shirts that say we are a PROUD ARMY FAMILY. They are fun.

Uncle Thomas reading Samantha a story, I think Thomas read her that story about 15 times, she just loved being able to spend time with her Uncle.

Samantha enjoying every second with Uncle Josh & Aunt Gigi cause she gets to eat twice as much ice cream, both hands. (Her shirt says "Don't mess with me my uncle is in the ARMY")

We went to a local pizza place to enjoy all you can eat pizza and soda. Something highly ranked on Thomas' to eat list for the weekend. In the picture: Jennifer, Mom, Dad, Michael, Thomas (Smalls), Samantha.

Smalls & Smalls (we call each other smalls we got it from the movie "The Sandlot")

Thomas & Josh. Thomas showing Josh just how strong he is several weeks into boot camp.

Mom, PFC Thomas Wilkins, and Dad

Samantha & Thomas

Hanging out at the pool

The water was just a little to cold for us to get all the way in.

Not for Michael though, here he is doing a handstand.

Samantha wearing Thomas' hat, looks so cute, she sure had fun.

Thomas enjoying some good ice cream just before he has to report back to the base. I took this picture then no more than 1 1/2 minutes later was the whole thing gone. I was like "holly cow Thomas its not a race" he then reminded his sister that he's use to only having about 2 minutes to eat his dinner so he's pretty fast.

Samantha enjoying her ice cream.....more sweets........

Thomas & Michael....oh how Michael already misses Thomas

Samantha walking Thomas back as far as she's allowed to go.

Samantha saying bye to her Uncle Thomas giving him a big hug and kiss, she sure loved being able to spend so much 1 on 1 time with him. Josh & I loved being able to take Samantha with us. She was a perfect little angle and didn't complain. She was just very sad and couldn't understand why Thomas couldn't spend the night just one more night in our hotel. So cute. We are super pumped about our next trip to see Thomas again in less than 2 weeks....We're so lucky.