Homecoming, Recap!

So I am very behind in blogging.  Like a month or two. 

That is okay.  Life happens.

So I came home from deployment, in a rather non-traditional fashion.  We first went to Yorktown, VA..which is obviously NOT our homeport.  I had a busy week there doing my job, but I was lucky to have my big brother and his family come down to visit from their home base. I was in a meeting, and the best part of coming out of that meeting, was seeing this awesome sign that said "Welcome Home!" on my stateroom door.  My brother convinced the customs agent to bring it to my room.  AWESOME!
I finally got to leave the ship, and met my family in the parking lot.  We went and grabbed some food and a beer, and I had to get back to work (duty on Saturday).  Booooo.
Saturday duty was busy, and I was glad to get out of work on Sunday am, which was Easter Sunday.  We had brunch at Cracker Barrel, and then went out and about in Colonial Williamsburg.  We had dinner at a great steakhouse, Aberdeen Barn.  I loved their food.  It was just what I needed!
I had to make my money, so to speak during the week, so I had some long days. I went out the first night with some of the other Officers to Joe and Mimmas.  Holy hidden Italian charm.  This place was incredible! Luckily, I met a friend for dinner at Yorktown Pub one evening, and another good college friend at the Riverwalk. We got underway from Yorktown, and made it to Mayport on the 7th of April.  I was so excited.  My guy was waiting for me on the pier!!
First thing we did was hit up brunch at Casa Marina hotel on the beach.  I changed out of my "monkey suit", or summer whites, into a dress to enjoy my new found freedom.  We had the most amazing brunch, and just relaxed.  We walked around the blues fest, grabbed some beers, and soaked up the sun.  We got to check into our suite at the Casa Marina later that day, and it was nice to nap in a sea side room!
The next day, we drove down to St. Augustine. We stayed at the Penny Farthing Inn, which was the best B&B a girl could ask for.  The room we stayed in was the attic room, complete with a hot tub.  So adorable!  We ate at the Conch House and Meehans on Matanzas, and enjoyed gelato at the Whestone Chocolate factory. 
We flew to Chicago at the end of the week, where Mike had a surprise for me.  Little did I know, that one of my best friends, Ellen, had arranged a special homecoming surprise for me at O'Hare.  I was stunned.  I never had a homecoming like that before.  I wanted to just reconnect with Mike, which is why I didn't invite anyone to Florida.  It was just too much for them to travel.  That night, we went to Hub 51, and to the Hawks Game.  We had such a great time!
The next day, I spent the day with Mike and my older brothers, just hanging out in Downers Grove.  Sunday, I threw a party at Morettis, in Edison Park.  Great pizza.  Seriously, you should try it!
We went to a slew of other places that week, and just hung out with the pups.  This post would go on for days if I listed each restaurant, and each meal.  No worries, more food posts to come!

Just a few pics at first, will add more later!

St. Augustine, Bridge of Lions

Me and my big brother at O'Hare

Me and my guy @ Moretti's