homecoming...again

Yesterday was Wayne & Eileen's homecoming that they had to talk in church about their mission experiences. It was very nice to be able to hear how much love they developed for the people of Uganda and some of their challenges and triumphs while there. Eileen said it was the hardest 18 months of her life but also time that she did the most growing. I can't even imagine. Wayne said several times how grateful they are to be back and to be surrounded by family, amen dad, amen. We are happy to have them back too, it was a good meeting. It was especially fun to see the front right row full of missionaries who served with them in Uganda get up after the meeting and bear hug little Eileen. It was obvious that they love her and I'm guessing because she has so many boys of her own and it was easy for her to love and take care of them too. Afterward it's always tradition to have a sort of lunch at their home and this was our favorite part of the day. We loved being able to hang out with brothers and their wives and cousins who we don't see as a whole group often enough. We always laugh and laugh and this gathering was no different. I have always been so grateful to have been born into such a wonderful family but the last nine years or so I've realized what a blessing it is to also be married into such a wonderful one. We are excited to spend some time with everyone at Jenny's cabin in Oakley over Christmas break this year. Good times. Would you believe that I forgot my camera? Crap! Jenny provided these nice pictures for me, so thanks Jen!

pumpkin cutie

We have been cleaning out our storage closet trying to organize all of the Halloween costumes /dress-ups that we own. This may not seem like a small task but we have about six giant rubbermaid containers down there full of just that and wow, it was so out of control. I found this hat that Eileen knitted for Allie a few years ago while on her mission in Philadelphia. So cute! It was just the right size for little Ethan! I am such a dork because later when I was looking at the Pumpkin Patch pictures, I realized that I should've had him wear this to the patch, think of the pictures! For now, we'll just have to enjoy this one. Waynd & Eileen are serving in Africa right now and we are super excited to be counting down the weeks until they get come home, we're down to FIVE! Ethan was six months old when they left, Daniel was one day old and the twins weren't born yet. Besides the babies, all the kids have done a ton of growing up, they will be so excited to see everyone, we are excited too.