As the name suggests, The "Finnish" open in Aland Finland this week, coincidentally marks the end of the line of our six-week road trip! And although it was nothing compared to my record 11-week stretch away from home back in 1995, it sure feels good to be heading back to Canada.

The party will be short-lived however, because we are due to return to Europe in a week to play two events in Russia and Poland. But right now, as I'm sitting on the plane, a couple of hours away from giving my wife and kids the biggest hugs and kisses ever, there is nothing that can put me in a bad mood..... not even a grumpy flight attendant, or the crying baby two seats over (in fact, the crying baby acts as good prep for what I will hear at home this week).

Coming home to a loving family is definitely one of the perks to this job. As tough as it is to be away from them for lengthy periods of time, there isn't a better feeling than walking through those front doors and getting that welcome that only a wife and kids can give their husband/daddy. I'm sure it will take only a few minutes before I will be up to my ears in diaper changes, soccer playing requests, and house chores, but right about now, that sounds pretty darn good to me.

Note: I realize I keep turning many of these blogs into stories about families. Can you tell I'm a tad homesick? Sorry if you are looking for volleyball updates - I intend to mix it up a bit more once I get a good dose of home!