My brother Craig completed a two year mission in Taiwan this month for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. So the Anderson family has been anticipating Christmas for an extra reason. Per Craig's silly request, only Mom and Dad went to pick him up at the airport. Disappointed as we were, it was nice to be able to corral tired children at a house rather than airport since he wasn't getting home until around 11:00 pm. While we waited we decorate the house. Above is a phone picture Mom and Dad sent when the picked him up.
We surprised Craig- who didn't know his grandma from California would be at the house. I think he had planned on trying to not cry and be tough, but the minute he saw her it was all over. Craig and her have always been very close, and the past two years Craig has been gone have been very difficult ones for her with the death of her husband and battling lung cancer. It was a wonderful surprise to have her there.
Everyone cry laughs at Craig with Grandma.
Seeing Kate- last time she was a crawling non-verbal being. Things change the most with kids in two years. Kate kept saying "that's mommy's brother"
Kate doesn't get why everyone is crying. And yes- Craig does look like he is a Taiwan native- funny how that happens.
Aunt Carole helps with one tired Sam.
Gramdma Wood with Crystal and Ali.
Craig meets Samuel for the first time. He quickly comes to agree that Sam is the most awesome baby in the world.
Amy and all the kids. It was a long and late night- the kids were up past midnight, so we will see how today goes, especially with our intent to celebrate his homecoming with more friends and family at a dinner this afternoon.
Welcome Home Craig- we are so proud of you!
You can read more about Craig's mission experience here.
2 comments:
homecomings can be so sweet!
Merry Christmas!
That so great! It is amazing seeing these little boys returning home from their missions.
We are getting old!
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