Jet Photos this year was a lot of fun though they definitely wore me out! A few weeks ago I got to use an F-15E Strike Eagle as a photo prop. We did it as a fund raiser for the Rockettes. I am so glad I was able to help out my Rocket ladies one more time before we move over to Washington. Here are a few of my favorites from the day.

She lost her first tooth earlier on in the day!

And of course I took a few of my little J bird.

ps: im working on getting everyone’s photo to them. please be patient :)

Hilary Mercer is a Wedding Photographer in Tacoma, Washington. Her work is quickly becoming recognized as some of the most creative wedding and portrait photography in the Northwest. You can read the original blog post here Jet Photos!.

Then it was Pete’s turn. His wife Alex couldnt make it to the flight so I took a few for her too. :) The guys really let him have it.

Hilary Mercer is a Wedding Photographer in Tacoma, Washington. Her work is quickly becoming recognized as some of the most creative wedding and portrait photography in the Northwest. You can read the original blog post here Fini Flights!.

Hilary Mercer is a Wedding Photographer in Tacoma, Washington. Her work is quickly becoming recognized as some of the most creative wedding and portrait photography in the Northwest. You can read the original blog post here Jet Photos!.

Enjoy and be jealous of my husband like I am.

on the way down, thats Charleston, SC there.

Hilary Mercer is a Wedding Photographer in Tacoma, Washington. Her work is quickly becoming recognized as some of the most creative wedding and portrait photography in the Northwest. You can read the original blog post here Endeavor Launch.

There he is! :)

It was super windy out!

Jess took off in a full on sprint I think… well it felt like a sprint to me. Who knew nine monthers could sprint so fast?!

I am super glad Mike and everyone else is home. Its seriously been too long.

Hilary Mercer is a Wedding Photographer in Tacoma, Washington. Her work is quickly becoming recognized as some of the most creative wedding and portrait photography in the Northwest. You can read the original blog post here Welcome Home Rockets | Part 3.

This next one is my favorite from the whole night. Terry getting to see Barb’s baby belly for the first time in real life. So sweet. I am so excited for them!

For more from our homecoming check out Autumn’s blog about it here! She got some pretty awesome shots as well!

The next day more folks came in. They came in a bit different, they were actually flying the F-15E’s back instead of taking a heavy back. Neil was supposed to fly a jet back and decided against it incase something happened and they got stuck somewhere. He didnt want to miss little Jack’s birth and I agreed but after taking these photos I’m a bit sad he didnt fly home in a jet. Oh well, there’s always next time. I followed my friend Charlotte around for her big reunion with her fiance Colin. They are due to get married this fall and now they can REALLY start the planning! If youre a local in Raleigh you may recognize her from the news. She is a news anchor for NBC in Raleigh.

Like me with my camera, its hard to break away from what you do. I loved that she was interviewing everyone.

Emily is due on the same day as me (May 8th!) and she got to see her husband today too!

headphones for the baby :)

They’re here! The excitement level tripled when they did their flyby.

There he is!

Then another eternity passed as they were shutting off the jets engines. AND then they were off!

I love this because Charlotte is no short woman.

Yay!

Colin’s WSO and his cute family :)

he had to get something he left..

I love his face. It was worth a shot Charlotte ;)

This is one of the signs that was in the hallways. A few weeks ago we had a squadron decorating party and the kids got to have a little fun too. This was one of my favorite signs. I liked how some of the kids got all official too and some of the signs read “Welcome Home Brian!” vs. Welcome home daddy! So cute.

Hilary Mercer is a Wedding Photographer in Tacoma, Washington. Her work is quickly becoming recognized as some of the most creative wedding and portrait photography in the Northwest. You can read the original blog post here Welcome Home Rockets | Part 2.

The Air Force was nice enough to let those few soon to be dads(and already dads) with wives due in March come home first before the rest of the guys. Pretty much the only good thing the military has done good for us in a while. But thats a different story. They flew into the airport and let us be at the gate when the plane arrived. So go team USO for allowing that to be able to happen. Terminal 2 at RDU was the place to be today if you needed a good heart warming cry and everyone was thrilled that they were home the patriot guard was even there! Makes me quite excited for the weeks to come when everyone is home!

saying hello to baby brother :)

Melissa actually had her little girl in November and today was the first time her husband got to meet their little one.

waiting..

His wife, Amanda(you might remember her maternity session a few months ago) isnt going to deliver the baby here in NC so she couldnt come up to see him. I wanted to get a few photos of him so she could see though :) He’ll be there soon Amanda!

Hilary Mercer is a Wedding Photographer in Tacoma, Washington. Her work is quickly becoming recognized as some of the most creative wedding and portrait photography in the Northwest. You can read the original blog post here Welcome Home Rockets!!.

Little Isabella is getting big! She’s at 2 months now.

The next night some more of the guys left.

Barbara looks nervous and excited!

little William knows to look at me ;)

I like that flag.

and they’re gone.

Hilary Mercer is a Wedding Photographer in Tacoma, Washington. Her work is quickly becoming recognized as some of the most creative wedding and portrait photography in the Northwest. You can read the original blog post here Safe Travels Rockets!.