He's home.
And it's hard to see her, but Courtney Lee is sandwiched in between us in that shot.
If you've got 4:41, play this song. Just turn it up loud, close your eyes, forget about everything else and take it in for a bit. If you don't have that much time, just fast forward it to 3:12...that's the part that gets me every time.
And since you're reading this Josh Downs...Welcome home.
Tears are streaming down face. I remember all those "he's finally here" feelings all over again! Welcome Home Josh Downs and hugs to you Karen Russell!!! XoXo
Posted by: Denise M | February 29, 2012 at 01:36 PM
OH Karen, this just warms my heart! I am so so happy for all of you and just wish you the best!!!! All my love to your family!
Posted by: Beth Marchitello | February 29, 2012 at 01:36 PM
Thank you Downs family. I am so grateful for my freedom that you sacrificed to give me. I will not forget what you did.
Posted by: Monica | February 29, 2012 at 01:36 PM
Just perfect. Exactly the way it should be now. Together, in each others arms and safe. I've been anxious for days waiting for this news. Josh, thanks for your sacrifice and service to this country. Karen and Kiddo's, so happy you have your Man and Daddy back home where he belongs. Love on him as I am sure he needs it. God bless you all!! xoxo
Posted by: Patricia Ellis | February 29, 2012 at 01:39 PM
Welcome home Josh Downs. Thank you so much for your sacrifice.
Posted by: julie | February 29, 2012 at 01:43 PM
Welcome home and many thanks to you and your family. Enjoy your time together, and home cooked dinners.
Posted by: Beth | February 29, 2012 at 01:48 PM
Takes my breath away:) Been praying for your safe arrival, Welcome Home Josh Downs!
Posted by: Sandra VV | February 29, 2012 at 01:53 PM
Welcome home Josh!!!
Posted by: Melanie | February 29, 2012 at 02:00 PM
This does my heart good! I'm so glad Josh Downs is home and I'm so happy this family is together!!! <3 :)
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1306989176 | February 29, 2012 at 02:25 PM
Great news!
Posted by: colleen | February 29, 2012 at 02:40 PM
This photo makes me feel so joyful. So glad Josh Downs is home and your family is together again. :)
Posted by: Stacy | February 29, 2012 at 02:51 PM
What a beautiful shot of such a beautiful moment!! Very emotional! So happy and relieved that Josh has finally made it home safe and sound! I've been holding my breath. And if you're reading this Josh Downs...."thank you" & Karen did a great job while you were gone!!
Posted by: Kari Graves | February 29, 2012 at 02:51 PM
Yay! Welcome home and enjoy your family!!!! :)
Posted by: Michelle Adams | February 29, 2012 at 03:01 PM
<3. welcome home josh downs and thank you for your service.
Posted by: Kelly Goree | February 29, 2012 at 03:16 PM
Woo Hoo!!! Great news!!! So glad your beautiful family is all together again :) enjoy and savor every precious moment...
Posted by: Dawn S | February 29, 2012 at 03:21 PM
YAY!!! So happy that your family is back together again!!
Posted by: Morgan | February 29, 2012 at 03:30 PM
HALLELUJAH... Josh Downs is HOME!!!!
Posted by: Robin healy | February 29, 2012 at 03:38 PM
Welcome Home! Enjoy this special time with your family. Thank you for serving our Country! God Bless!
Posted by: Faith | February 29, 2012 at 03:40 PM
Welcome Home Josh!
Congrats Karen, Courtney, Cole and Annie, You made it!!!!
Posted by: JaYne | February 29, 2012 at 03:40 PM
Congrats! Happy day!
Posted by: Kristina | February 29, 2012 at 03:41 PM
Welcome home Josh Downs! I loved this truly emotionally PERFECT photo, so so so happy that you're family is back together and at home together!
Posted by: Alaina | February 29, 2012 at 03:53 PM
So happy to see your family together again!
Posted by: Jodi | February 29, 2012 at 04:02 PM
Oh Wow...I knew if I checked in every day then one day I would see this...I didnt expect to cry though! Well actually...yes I did! This is the sweetest photo I've seen for a while.
Karen and Josh...you have made my day...I couldnt be happier for you all...now go enjoy your time together...
Posted by: Julie in Aust. | February 29, 2012 at 04:18 PM
So, so, so glad he's home!
Posted by: Annette | February 29, 2012 at 04:28 PM
That picture is magical. Thank you, Josh Downs, for your service. Welcome home.
Posted by: Kimberly | February 29, 2012 at 04:32 PM
best picture EVER!
Posted by: noelani | February 29, 2012 at 04:35 PM
WELCOME HOME JOSH DOWNS!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for your sacrifice of serving our country. We will forever be indebted to you and all military personnel. Those welcome home pics always make me feel so patriotic and super sappy for the families. I am so so thankful he is home safe and sound with you. May God bless you all!!
Posted by: Janna | February 29, 2012 at 04:35 PM
Welcome home Josh Downs and thank you for your service. 'It feels like home'!!!! So happy for you and your family. Cathy Babineau
Posted by: Cathy B | February 29, 2012 at 04:39 PM
A wonderful moment for you and your family to have Josh safe at home again...enjoy your family time. Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia
Posted by: Kathy | February 29, 2012 at 04:39 PM
Yay! SO happy for you Karen. I think we all have been waiting for this day with you....(although I KNOW no one can felt it as much as you). Thank you, Josh, for your service to this country...for fighting for our country...our children..and your own. Glad you are safe and back with your family, where you belong.
Posted by: april n. | February 29, 2012 at 05:06 PM
Praise the Lord! Welcome home, Josh Downs! I'm crying happy tears - so glad he's home safe and sound and LOVE the picture!
Posted by: SusanC | February 29, 2012 at 05:19 PM
Welcome home Josh Downs! Thanks for all you do for this country! And thank you to your entire family for the sacrifices they make as well. Enjoy your family time!
Posted by: KathleenB | February 29, 2012 at 05:23 PM
Ahhhhhh! We can all breathe a sigh of relief! Welcome home, Josh Downs, American hero!!!
So happy. :)))
Posted by: kat-in-texas | February 29, 2012 at 05:27 PM
So very happy for you and your family, Karen!
Posted by: JennyB | February 29, 2012 at 05:38 PM
Karen, so glad he's home safe in your arms.
Welcome home Josh Downs. God bless you and your family always.
Posted by: Angel | February 29, 2012 at 05:53 PM
Best photo EVER. My heart leaps for joy for all of you!! Glad Josh is home safe, and so thankful for his service!!
Posted by: Denean | February 29, 2012 at 06:00 PM
welcome home Josh Downs ... so glad you're home!
Posted by: jen | February 29, 2012 at 06:01 PM
Welcome home to Josh! So glad to know that he made it safely. Enjoy lots of family time together, and don't worry one bit about your blog. We'll all be here waiting whenever you're back.
Posted by: Elizabeth C. | February 29, 2012 at 06:02 PM
Welcome home Josh!!! :) Bless you for serving our country!! Down's family enjoy your reunion. So happy to finally see this post.
Posted by: Alison | February 29, 2012 at 06:16 PM
YAY!!!!
Posted by: CarolineD | February 29, 2012 at 06:30 PM
I have never posted before, but this totally warrants a "Congratulations" to the whole family. Josh, thank you for your service for our country. To the rest of the family, thank you for your great sacrifice. May you enjoy each other! God bless you all!
Posted by: Lori | February 29, 2012 at 06:31 PM
Amazing photo...a picture is worth 1000 words.
Welcome Home Josh Downs!
Posted by: Victoria Hassink | February 29, 2012 at 06:35 PM
WELCOME HOME JOSH! Thank you for your dedication and service.
Posted by: Wynett | February 29, 2012 at 06:43 PM
Oh, thank God!
Posted by: Cathy | February 29, 2012 at 06:59 PM
WELCOME HOME JOSH DOWNS!! So happy your family has been reunited at last, enjoy every minute together. And from the wife of a marine (my hubby was active duty from 1992-1997) who spent a year away from us in Japan his last year in, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service to our country!! Hope you guys have a wonderful reunion!
Posted by: Trina | February 29, 2012 at 07:02 PM
Just look at that photo!! LOVE it!! It just embodies all those answered prayers. Celebrate and enjoy all your family time. I am soooo happy for you. Welcome home, Josh Downs!!!!
Posted by: Nancy McPeak | February 29, 2012 at 07:07 PM
Karen, As soon as I saw your blog pop up in my google reader, I was so excited. I saved your blog for last and then thought I can't read it yet, cause I don't want it to be over. I am so excited that Josh Downs made it home and you guys are all back together again. Love you all!
Posted by: k.chock | February 29, 2012 at 07:13 PM
I have been waiting for that picture it seems like forever....Welcome Home Josh Downs...you have a very special family
Posted by: Colleen | February 29, 2012 at 07:16 PM
Welcome home and thank you for your service!!
Posted by: Sarah | February 29, 2012 at 07:24 PM
With the tears streaming down my face, God is faithful. Thank you and your family for your patriotic sacrifice for all of us. I am so happy for you! HE is HERE!
Posted by: Jen CT | February 29, 2012 at 07:24 PM
Welcome Home!! Thank you!
Posted by: Kelly | February 29, 2012 at 07:30 PM
Oh, thank God! I'm so happy for you all!
Posted by: Ann S | February 29, 2012 at 08:08 PM
so happy for you all! yayay!!
Posted by: Rachel | February 29, 2012 at 08:24 PM
That's the photo we've been holding our collective breath and waiting for. Blessings to your dear family, all together under one roof once again.
Posted by: Brocante Girl | February 29, 2012 at 08:28 PM
THANK YOU JESUS!!
Posted by: ana roat | February 29, 2012 at 08:43 PM
So happy for you and your family. Love that shot.
Posted by: Ashley S. | February 29, 2012 at 08:48 PM
Welcome home Josh Downs...so happy for the whole family...truly happy for you all.
Posted by: Paola Norman | February 29, 2012 at 08:52 PM
Just came back for another look at that photo...and teared up again...might have to not visit again for a few days...hope you are all still grinning from ear to ear Karen and Josh...enjoy every moment.
Posted by: Julie in Aust. | February 29, 2012 at 09:10 PM
So glad for you! Welcome home, Josh. Thanks for your sacrifice.
Posted by: Denise | February 29, 2012 at 09:43 PM
Love it, Karen! So glad he is home... Enjoy every minute!
Posted by: Marne | February 29, 2012 at 09:58 PM
so happy for your sweet family!
Posted by: heather | February 29, 2012 at 10:38 PM
Your post has really made my day, so glad Josh Downs is home safe and sound xxxx
Posted by: Kim Johns | February 29, 2012 at 11:50 PM
Welcome home!!!
I always follow your blog, but never really write anything, your blog is so touching... So trueful and full of love. :)
So happy for you that he is home safely. What a wonderful picture...
God bless...
Sweety
From NZ
Posted by: Sweety | March 01, 2012 at 01:00 AM
Welcome Home Josh Downs!
Posted by: Cathy k. | March 01, 2012 at 01:32 AM
Karen I am so happy for you guys. YOu've been on my mind a lot lately and I am so happy to see this photo! God bless you all!
Posted by: TanyA | March 01, 2012 at 01:52 AM
Thank God! Nothing sweeter than that moment am sure! Delighted for you and especially the kids. I'm in Ireland and I check in with your blog all the time. Beautiful family. Fáilte abhaile Josh, welcome home.
Posted by: Bernadette | March 01, 2012 at 02:06 AM
oh, what a relief! Welcome home, Josh Downs. Hold on tight to each other.
Posted by: Kim S. | March 01, 2012 at 02:19 AM
You're home-awesome! That track is beautiful.
Posted by: lyley | March 01, 2012 at 04:27 AM
(:
Posted by: Dawn | March 01, 2012 at 04:43 AM
God Bless all of you!
What an extraordinary shot!
Kudos to the "camera man"!!!
:)
Posted by: Kelly | March 01, 2012 at 04:43 AM
Welcome Home Josh Downs!! I am so happy you have arrived safely back in the arms of your family!! Best picture of the year!
Posted by: Corrine | March 01, 2012 at 05:13 AM
Thrilled for you all! Welcome Home!
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | March 01, 2012 at 05:24 AM
So happy for you all!! And to Josh Downs - thank you so very much for your service to our country. Words cannot truly capture how much your work is appreciated.
Posted by: Laurel | March 01, 2012 at 05:35 AM
Welcome home, Josh Downs!!!! And a huge thanks for your service!!!!!
Posted by: Michelle Arthur | March 01, 2012 at 05:58 AM
Welcome home Josh Downs and THANK YOU!
Posted by: Kelliann | March 01, 2012 at 06:14 AM
Welcome home Josh!!!! And thank you for your service!
God is good!
Posted by: Jenny | March 01, 2012 at 06:25 AM
Ahhh! Thats a whole lota happy people! Welcome home Josh!
Posted by: Melinda~ | March 01, 2012 at 06:36 AM
*sigh* *tears* *more tears* Welcome home Josh...and god bless you all, for your sacrifice, your patience and your love of all that is good. So happy that you are all together again. Enjoy each other!!
Posted by: KerrieLou | March 01, 2012 at 06:46 AM
So very happy for the Down's family...welcome home Josh Downs! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your service and sacrifice for our country. You are in my prayers every night.
Posted by: Dolly | March 01, 2012 at 06:47 AM
Wooo Hoooo!
Posted by: Payton | March 01, 2012 at 07:23 AM
Hi Karen and welcome home, Josh. As the mom-in-law to a captain in the army who has served two deployments to Iraq, I know the anticipation you were all experiencing these past few days. Congratulations to all of you on Josh's homecoming.
On a side note, "hi" from one of your long-lost Medford scrapbookin' buddies/fans! Since you were the first to point so many of us in the direction of ScrapbookPictures.com for our online processing, who do you use now that SBP.com has closed their doors (what a bummer!)? I was hoping to find another online resource that offered comparable services (non-standard print sizes, basic editing, sepia, b&w, borders, text). Any ideas?
Thanks...and also thanks for the sacrifice that ALL of you made during Josh's deployment...welcome home...hug one another LOTS...
Posted by: Patti Bosworth | March 01, 2012 at 07:35 AM
Hooray! Go enjoy your family! ;P
Posted by: Julie McD | March 01, 2012 at 07:38 AM
god bless you guys indeed. thank you for your service josh downs.
Posted by: karlalala | March 01, 2012 at 07:52 AM
I've been thinking about all of you! Thanks for sharing this sweet photo.
Posted by: Mary Ann Jenkins | March 01, 2012 at 07:55 AM
Priceless.
Posted by: Dawn Wheeler (Go Beavs) | March 01, 2012 at 08:26 AM
Welcome home Josh Downs. Thank you and your family and thank you all for loving this country.
Posted by: Cindy B. | March 01, 2012 at 09:06 AM
Hi Karem I live in New Zealand, and read your blog most days, I creid when I read your blog this morning, so happy Josh is home safe and sound. Enjoy each and have fun.
Posted by: Lesley | March 01, 2012 at 09:50 AM
Thank goodness Josh made it home safe and sound. Thank you so much for your sacrifice to our country. Enjoy your family time.....you all deserve it!
Posted by: Yvonne C | March 01, 2012 at 10:27 AM
Beautiful photo! Welcome home Josh and God bless you and your family!
Posted by: Andy | March 01, 2012 at 10:30 AM
Oh that picture brought tears to my eyes. So happy for you and your family! Enjoy your special family time with the kids!
Posted by: Anita G. | March 01, 2012 at 10:52 AM
Welcome home Josh! YAY!!!!!!!
Posted by: Tanya | March 01, 2012 at 11:07 AM
Welcome home! So happy for you all!
Posted by: Laura | March 01, 2012 at 12:19 PM
Welcome Home Josh and Thank You!!!!!
Posted by: Jennifer O | March 01, 2012 at 12:31 PM
You are back where you belong Mr Downs!
Posted by: Michelle Last | March 01, 2012 at 12:54 PM
SOOOO thrilled for you all. I have been praying for his safe arrival. This is the best news I have heard all week. Hope you have some special family time!
Posted by: Amy | March 01, 2012 at 01:41 PM
Sitting here with weepy eyes - as the wife of a retired military guy the photos always get to me! So thankful your family is together again!
Posted by: Phyllis | March 01, 2012 at 02:01 PM
WOW! I'm speechless - welcome home Josh Downs! I'm so happy for all of you :-) Warm Hugs xoxo
Posted by: Brandi Talmadge | March 01, 2012 at 04:04 PM
Made my day. Welcome home.
Posted by: Julie | March 01, 2012 at 04:26 PM
Happy tears here! Welcome home Josh. Thank you for all you do. God bless you all!
Posted by: Jenny | March 01, 2012 at 05:20 PM
Thank G-d. I'm so happy for your "little family." Time for family--isn't that all that really matters?
Posted by: MSS | March 01, 2012 at 06:17 PM