Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Michael's home from his mission!

The two years that as I look back on now, went rather quickly. As I was experiencing it though, not so quick.  Michael served faithfully in the Missouri Independence Mission and now HE'S HOME!!!
Misty captured some great shots of  the family and then him arriving at the Airport. Michael was to arrive at 8:25 pm so Larry and I got there about 7:30 or so. I didn't want to chance any mishaps that made us late, their was snow and ice on the roads. I checked the flights status on the computer and it said the flight from Kansas City, MO took off late but the other one from Salt Lake City was on time. By the times they were saying if he hurried he would have made his 2nd flight. Then I noticed missed calls on my iphone from a Provo, Utah phone number. Michael left a message saying he missed his flight but was boarding the last flight out. The time was after 8:00 pm.  He wouldn't fly in until 10:30 pm.  The prospect was now to keep 19 + people occupied until he got to the airport. 10 of them under the age of 12. So what do we do? Stay tuned and you'll find out.
                                                   Sit and chat and try to save the world.
Make Uncle Bud a welcome home poster.
The dance party broke out.
Gabe's got some moves.
Grandpa and Grandma Johnson patiently waiting with us. 
Ethan's a walking, dancing machine.
We're all still waiting, waiting and waiting.
The kids all did well as they waited.
The plane is unloading. I can't see him yet.
We see him!!! Clara is looking a little concerned about me.
Oh man! What a site after 2 years. He's looking good. He's got a huge smile on his face too. Michael had an ordeal getting home. Since he missed the connection to his flight the Salt Lake City airport personal gave him money and was setting him up in a hotel for the night and telling him his flight would be the next day at 3:00 pm. He got some help though from a young man that worked there who knew his situation and pointed him in the right direction to the right people to get on the last flight out. They knew he'd been on a mission I mean he duh... he was in Salt Lake City. But Michael was telling them about Christmathanks and how he needed to get home that night. They were mom's, they understood.

I can't believe he's really here! Joy!
A hug for dad.
A hug for April. Ainsley is looking on thinking "Who's this mom?" Ethan, Ainsley and Owen all met Michael for the first time that evening.
A hug for Rachel with Owen wondering the same thing as Ainsley was.
Joshua got in on the hugs and so did Misty but alas no one got a picture of that.
I love this picture and all the tender emotions that it represents. Love and family.

For the next 4 days and 3 nights all 20 of us are going to be together celebrating Michael being home and  Christmathanks. Christmathanks, the combination of being thankful for all our blessings and our Saviors birth to whom we are grateful for his life that he has given for us that we may live. Yes, I am grateful, very grateful.

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