Mike is home!!!

There was great anticipation leading up to Mike's arrival home from his mission.  We couldn't wait to see him! There's nothing quite like that feeling of welcoming home a beloved missionary.  The joy and thanksgiving is unsurpassed. 

I don't have a lot of pictures from the event...I need to get them from my parents! But here are a few.  

We were going up and down the escalators with the girls while we were waiting.  It's hard keeping little ones occupied for so long at an airport when we want to be staying in the same place watching for him! Luckily we saw him right as we came down the escalator and Jeff got it all on camera.  

He looked great! He was the jolliest, most wonderful guy we had ever seen at that moment!  

We came back to my place to celebrate his birthday that was a few weeks earlier. There's always an excuse to eat cake! 

We then did a family trip to the Seattle temple, and it was heavenly.  

Boy it was a great feeling to be all reunited again! 

That weekend we all got together at my parents house for food and a chance to catch up with Mike.  We took a quick family picture to honor the occasion.  We've grown in 2 years! 

The two littlest members of the family got to enjoy each other.  I finally got a picture of them together. 

And of course, there was lots of food and games to be had! 

Rides on "Grandpa's Wagon" are becoming a favorite pastime for Brielle & Rosalyn.  Oh, and I guess Claire and I enjoy them too! ha ha.  

Marie and I took Claire out one afternoon for a sister's treat...we surprised Claire by taking her to the mall and getting her ears pierced at Claire's! She's been wanting to do it, so we made her do it when we were there! She was brave and now has cute little diamond studs in her ears. They look perfect. 

Jeff took the girls back to our place and I stayed for the afternoon at Jeff & Kate's to help with Blakely.  I mainly held her so Kate could get a much needed nap.  Now this is what twins is like! 

Two weeks later we got together for Mike's missionary homecoming talk at church.  We got the house all ready for company, and food prepared. We were lucky to have lots of family there! So fun to be with family we don't get to see often enough. 

Even my Grandpa Bates flew in from Arizona.  It was a treat having both Grandpas there! 

Mike gave such an amazing talk.  He is such a good public speaker.  It was a fun day, and we are so happy to have him back!