Military homecoming photos captured by Phoenix Wedding Photographers Ryan & Denise

The first time we met Derek, Meghan, Gaitlin and Campbell, it was just a few weeks after Campbell was born. We got to spend a few hours taking his newborn photos, getting to know them and falling in love with this sweet family.  A few weeks after their session, Derek left for Afghanistan for 13 months to serve his country. I’ve always appreciated the sacrifice of our troops, but until meeting this family, I don’t think I ever thought very much about the people they were leaving behind.  Not only are they devoting their life to serving our country, they’re  missing first steps, and holidays and date nights with their wives. Those they leave behind are making a sacrifice too.  We’ve silently watched these 13 months as Meghan and Derek would leave each other notes on Facebook. And our hearts would always hurt for them. My favorites were screen shots of Derek’s desktop background – a photo of Meghan with a count down clock, ticking away the months, weeks, days and hours to the day when they’d be reunited.

We’re so happy that the wait is now over!  Derek came home for good last week. :-) Meghan met him at the airport and they enjoyed a lovely few days away together before returning home last Friday. We got the immense pleasure of photographing the family as Derek was reunited with his precious boys for the first time!

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The preparation was well under way as we waited for the boys to arrive.

Derek needed a little practice popping out of the box  so we let him do a trial run for us :-)

Love these two!

When the boys arrived with Meghan’s parents, they were escorted out onto the porch to check out the HUGE present that awaited them.

Love the look on Derek’s face as he picks up his son for the first time in far too long!

So many sweet moments :-)

And of course, after the initial shock wore off, the boys were anxious to have their own turn in the big box. LOL!

YAY!

We feel truly blessed to have been able to capture these amazing moments for this special family. We’re so glad that Derek is home safe and you guys are back where you belong – together. We love you Fox family!