Deployed Brother

This morning, I got a phone call from Ian who has been deployed since June. 

It was the best 4 minute 37 second phone call I've had in a long time.

Being in a submarine definitely puts a damper on communication.

He called once in September and we exchanged a few texts in June.

I email him occasionally and he emails back when he can.

He said he emailed me once this deployment but I never got it.

The internet and email system is real spotty.

But regardless of how little I hear from him, I know he loves me. 

There's not a whole lot you can talk about in 4 minutes and 37 seconds but I could just hear the joy in his voice.

Plus, he woke me up (totally worth it) so I was just trying to get my brain to work!

Aly has been with him for four days in port and I know that he has really enjoyed that. 

Aren't we happy for airplanes?!

It was a last minute trip and it's the first time they've seen each other in four months!

My brother is legitimately one of my best friends.

Yes, he still beats me up but I'll admit that I start it...

and I kinda like it as long as I don't get hurt.

He's a real fun big brother. 

Our relationship really started to solidify in high school.

 I was the freshman.

He was the senior. 

It was one of my favorite years of high school, getting to have him on campus.

It wasn't so bad being "Ian's little sister."

At least he was cool and did well in school.

When he left for the Naval Academy, it was really hard not getting to see him very often.

We've had our ups-and-downs but the best part is that we are family.

He can never get rid of me.

Thank you Ian for sacrificing your freedom and spending time with your wife so that our country is protected and that we can have our freedom.

I know how tough it is not being able to see your family when you want to

and have the government tell you when and where to do things.

Thank you for always having my back and believing the best in me.

Your encouragement means so much to me.

You're a great example for me to look up to.

I am one happy, proud, and lucky little sister.

Now, get ready for some blasts from the past:

Aren't we the cutest ladybug and Power Ranger you've ever seen?

After a performance of a play I was in freshman year of high school.

Surfing in Santa Cruz

Ian's Eagle Scout ceremony.

Picking Ian up from the airport on one of his trips home from college.

Sometimes we do adventurous things like go on hikes in Tahoe.

Ian flew home a day early to surprise me at my concert. Too bad I went home after school and saw the toilet seat up (no boys lived in the house) and I just knew he had been home!

But thanks for the kind gesture, brother. 

Sleepy brother on our trip in Monterey.

Awkward but happy hugs!

Our trip to Annapolis for Ian's graduation!

We met in New York City for a day in Summer 2011 when I was living in New Jersey and he was living in Rhode Island.

Christmas 2011.

At the Washington National's game in June 2012. The day he told me he was going to propose to Aly!

Their wedding. April 13, 2013.

Ian, you're the best.

I can't wait to see you again!!