Cedar Rapids - This Thanksgiving, a couple from Eastern Iowa is celebrating just being together.

"We started dating my junior year, his senior year so about 4 and a half years ago," said Amy Squires.

"I always wanted to be a Marine," said Gavin Winterhof.

"He's been active duty for 4 years, so we've been apart for 4 years," said Squires. "He'd fly here and I'd fly there, but I mean he's been pretty much gone for 4 years."

This Thanksgiving weekend, Winterhof is home after spending the last 7 months in Iraq.

"I hate leaving her every time," said Winterhof. "I have to be around her."

Winterhof's biggest motivator in Iraq was thinking about when he could come home to Squires.

"When the leave dates finally came out, I sprinted. I was the first one to get the phone that day and called her up as fast as I could," said Winterhof.

"So he said pick a day in there, and we'll get married," said Squires. "I picked November 24th."

Squires only had 3 months to plan the wedding of her dreams.

"It's kind of a crazy weekend, but I'm excited," said Squires. "It'll be fun."

The weekend will be a whirlwind with Thanksgiving in the middle of it.

"Which I think is nice. Cause it's all family," said Squires. "We see family Thursday, the rehearsal dinner Friday and then we're all together Saturday. So it's nice to bring both families together."

Together, that's what Squires and Winterhof are thankful for this weekend.

"I'm thankful to have Gavin home and alive and be able to see him everyday and talk to him," said Squires.

"Calling her my wife, finally after 4 years," replied Winterhof.

Four Thanksgivings down, many more to come.