I am so grateful to all of our family for all of their help with cooking, cleaning, and in anyway they could to make our being together a good experience for everyone.
One morning our two oldest granddaughter's (Rebekah and Camille) got up early and cooked a delicious breakfast for everyone. That was so sweet of them.
Our grandchildren made signs for Adam to welcome him home and tied yellow ribbons all over the front yard.
Adam was to come in on the 2nd but his plane was delayed in Boston and they missed their flight out of Salt Lake. The Nelson's (the parent's of the other missionary) were able to page them in the airport and found out the phone number of the Inn they would be staying at.
It was great to call and talk to Adam, the next best thing.
Saturday we watched his flight carefully. It was delayed 2 hours but finally we saw that they had taken off and he headed for the airport. It was great to see Adam and Elder Nelson walking down the aisle toward us, the last ones as usual.
Our family had very little time with Adam. We got home from the airport around two, went to bed and got up for church.
Even though it was Fast Sunday, Adam spoke and gave his mission report. He has really left as a boy and returned as a man. Our grandchildren sang "Called to Serve". It really warmed my heart to hear them sing.
Right after they sang Tricia and Ally needed to leave for home and everyone but Mark and Lilly left after church.
Mark went with Doug, Adam, and I to Hanford to meet with Pres. Evans and Adam's official release as a missionary. It was great to hear the letter from his Mission President officially releasing him.
After Mark and Lilly left for home Adam went to say "hi and goodbye" to some of his friends.
He got home around midnight and spent the rest of the time packing. We left for Utah about 10:00 in the morning.
It was great to hear Adam's experiences from his mission. We really enjoyed the time together in the car until we hit St. George.
From St. George we had patches of black ice, wind, and snow. Ever overpass or truck that passed would throw our car. Doug was holding onto the wheel for dear life. The farther we went the worse it got. We were in a full-blown blizzard when we got to Beaver. We were literally traveling without being able to see the road. Doug pulled over for the night.
Beaver has always been a special place to us because that was where Mark was born. The people were very nice. A continental breakfast was served in the morning and people looked like they were in no hurry to get back on the road. We were told that a truck jack-knived and there was at least a 20 car pile-up.
We got new snow tires and started out again. Things went pretty good until the Tremonton area up to the Idaho border. It was slow going but we made it to Rexburg, Adam checked into his apartment and we did some shopping.
Doug and I spent the night with my cousin Greg Blacker. I loved visiting with him and his family. It felt like being in his Mother's home again. We really appreciated their help and guidance.
Wednesday Adam started his classes and found a lot of friends and his old roommate from his first year. We felt like he was pretty well settled and ready to start his next mission in life by getting a degree. We met his roommate and another of the men in his apartment. Four of them are returned missionaries. One speaks Spanish and another one speaks Portuguese.
It was a great day to travel before the next storm was to hit the next day. We stopped by Ally and Tricia's in a fast hurry and headed for home. We spent the night in St. George and then headed for home. We really appreciated the dry roads.
We were so grateful to enjoy the holidays with so many of our family. Each one of them are very dear to our hearts. We are looking forward to getting together this summer in Lake Tahoe possibly. If that is where Mark and Lilly chose that will be great or wherever.
There is nothing like the time we are able to bond together.
2 comments:
Patty.. As I read this I am amazed at what a small world it is.. Bart's brother Doug lives in Beaver Utah.. Your right.. it is a special place.. And our Franklin lives in Tremonton, Ut. and our son Jordon lives in Idaho Falls.. It sounds like you were busy getting all where they needed to be.. How fun it is when family get together.. We were in Utah for Christmas and New years.. and the ride home sounds a lot like your drive to Utah.. On the 4th of january the roads in Wy. were horrible.. and the wind was awful. but with prayers and careful driving, we made it home.. onlky to anticipate the next visit.. which is in Feb. when our new Grandson will arrive.. Have a wonderful January.. Carrie
I can really relate to your driving experience.
When we think about retiring we think of moving closer to our children. Doug was considering Boise. I can just imagine us in Boise and not leaving going anywhere at least 3 months out of the year.
Living in Wyoming for 5 years we drove on such horrible roads and often felt that we were stupid to have even ventured out to see our families because in the process we had put all of our families lives in danger.
After living in California it is hard to go back to driving like that.
It amazes me that our children rarely seem to have bad roads when they travel to our house for holidays. I have to remind myself we just hit it at one of the worst times.
They traveled on January 4th and had dry roads. We traveled the same roads on January 5th and it was a nightmare. You never know.
That is exciting that you will soon have another grandchild. They are all so wonderful.
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