Sunday in the Park

We headed to Lindsay Park in the Village of East Davenport on a Sunday afternoon. We were excited to see the newest sculptures added to Architectural Sculpture Park - Seurat's "Sunday in the Park".

It was a chilly day, but we bundled up and had some fun! It was nice to see the beautiful Fall leaves as well!

Time to Re-enact Lion King...

Honor Flight

We had the privilege of welcoming home the latest Honor Flight this past month! If you have never done this before, please reach out and ask when the next flight is, It is an amazing experience to attend these homecomings!

My Uncle Doug was on this Honor Flight - so it was super special to us! Uncle Doug and his brother, Denny (also my uncle!) served in Vietnam together. I've been told that their time in Vietnam is something that isn't talked about - at least not with extended family. Uncle Denny was able to go on an Honor Flight in 2016. We are thrilled that both Denny & Doug were able to go on the tours. We pray that the Honor Flights were healing for them. That they received the welcome home that they deserved. I love the pictures and videos we captured from Doug's return home!

Before leaving for the airport (they fly in around 10:00), we saw this post from the local Honor Flight Facebook page - Uncle Doug is the first vet on the right (aisle seat). I love his wave and smile!

Three of the Barman Aunts (Doris, Lois & Alice)

After a bit of a wait, the bagpiper came through...

There were people lined up on both sides of the receiving line. Lots of "Welcome Home" signs and flags!

My Aunt Doris (white shirt), Uncle Randy (black shirt), my Dad (Ron) holding the flag and Uncle Denny (in Levi's shirt). 

My Dad with Alex, Maddie & Will. Kaitee and Matt were around the corner, filming the homecoming.

Our first glimpse of Doug!

And then he saw Mike & Marty (his sons) and grandkids! A complete surprise to Doug!

Mike and his family live in Oklahoma City. They literally drove to Moline that day and turned around to drive home the next day (10.5 hours each way)!

Marty also drove to Moline (lives a few hours south) to be a part of the homecoming and spend time with the family.

Doug getting a hug from Lois, his long-time girlfriend.

Doug & Denny - I love the moment that they shared. We pray that years of hurt & pain disappeared in this moment.

Matt & Kaitee were around the corner - towards the end of the receiving line. Matt recorded the Vets as they came through the line.

We hung out at the airport for a bit - as the crowd diminished. We took family pictures and enjoyed our time together. It was a very special time.

Doug with Mike (left) and Marty (right)

Added in Lois, Madelyn, Grayson & Wesley

Doug with his brothers - Ron, Randy, Doug & Denny

Doug & Denny - thank you, from the bottom of our hearts for your service. Thank you for sacrificing so much for us. We pray that the Honor Flights have brought true healing for both of you - as well as so many other Vets. God Bless!