You may remember seeing these girls from a post last fall.  After that session was finished, Mindi mentioned how much she would love to get Marcus in for a few pictures before they had to go back to the state of Washington--where he is stationed.  That was already in my mental agenda, of course. ;)  We just had to wait and see when he would return and play out the midwest winter.  We knew we would only have a few days to make it happen before they had to leave and let's just say it was meant to be. ;) 

After being gone for 7 months Marcus is home...and what a sweet reunion it was!  I loved listening to him talk with the girls and I loved watching the girls interact with him.  I wanted to bottle up all of the emotion shared during that time and keep it forever.  Sometimes it takes someone being gone to realize how much more you appreciate them.  Of course, I don't believe that families should be separated for periods of time, but I do hold it as a gentle reminder that life is precious.  Life is a gift.  Life is meant to be shared with those you love everyday.  We often fail at this because the craziness of life gets in the way.  

Missing you all already...so glad that you are a family of 4 again (even if you have to be miles and miles away)...love you all.

Mindi loved this area from their session last fall...had to duplicate these shots with Marcus in them.  ;)

This series makes my heart ache...in a good way!  There was so much love and emotion being shared...

I'm pretty sure this is the point where Marcus asked Ava..."Can I take these pictures and hang them up in the plane?"

Another one I love...true joy, true happiness!  Daddy is home!

It's obvious that Ellie and Ava missed their dad, but I'm pretty sure these two missed each other as well.  ;)

Love the lighting and the subjects and the scenery in the next three...ok...I guess I should have said-I love the next 3.  ;)  

Loved this moment...Ellie said, "Do the wedding kiss!  Do the wedding kiss!"

So, they did and the girls loved it...welcome home Marcus!  We all appreciate what you do and are equally happy to have you home!

Gabe joined us for this quick session...he misses his girls. ;)