Open House

Welcome Home, Andrew

Sunday, April 30, 2008

This was a busy, busy weekend. Three nights in a row with big events. I considered moving the day for this Missionary Open House, but just decided to proceed. Between a wedding on Friday, the Young Women Dinner on Saturday, and this Open House on Sunday, I was running on empty by the time this was over (in reality, most likely before it began) The energy and help of so many dear friends kept me going.

If you were unable to attend, this assortment of photos is the next best thing to being there....

It is absolutely wonderful to have Andrew home and to have the love and support of so many friends and family....

I love these two photos (above and below) Not too many years ago, Andrew was one of the boys on the stools listening and watching the example of a Returned Missionary he looked up to.

Due to the number of photos in this post, I won't label each and every one in detail....
Matt, Ron, Dave G
Andrew speaking with Colin

Gigi, Morgan, and Alexis...Two Beehives and one entering soon!!!!!

What can I say... I have an awesome Bishop because he has an awesome wife!!!! They are great people and friends!!!!

As Andrew says....Papito...... or Papa Smurf.....

McKelle and Jewelie..Andrew was in a time warp and thought that McKelle was Marlie (who is now in Kindergarten)

Nohemi y Sandra!!! What is not to love about these two hermanas!!!!

I am so proud of Nohemi.. she actually enjoyed the party and DID NOT do my dishes!!!!!

I may not have understood every word, but it was not necessary.... Andrew was most comfortable conversing with all of our Spanish Speaking friends. They were laughing and talking for hours. I am sure they will return for another celebration!!!!

Georgina y Jose A

Virgil, Ruth, and Maureen

I could not host a gathering without the help and support of dear friends. They just offer, roll up their sleeves and get to work. My neighbor, Michelle, not pictured, was an amazing workhorse, also!

Nohemi, Katie, Tina (still can't see how purple her cool new glasses are)

Mary Beth and Matt (Katherine was on the loose with the camera at some point here)
Kyle, Andrew, and Star (she really is a star!!!! Soccer MVP for Wellington High 2007-08)

Jenn, Andrew, Kylie, and Jenni's(not pictured) baby, Brian

Hunter G.... one cute dude!!!!

Welcome home, Andrew.... just like that!!

It seems like yesterday I had 3 little boys and no daughters. Now those 3 little boys have all served full time missions, one is married, one is getting married, and I have 2 little daughters.

Tomorrow, it seems, I will be attending the wedding for the last little girl. But I just can't think about it... I will cry.... mostly happy tears, but some sad ones when I think about missing my children as little ones running in and out of the house! I am so darn proud of each of my children and the choices they are making!!!!

First Hours Home

Andrew's First Visitors

Thursday, March 20, Andrew had been home less than an hour when some welcome faces appeared....

He was still a set-apart Missionary, so NO Hugging with Lauren and Jan.

Isn't Lauren just as cute as ever!!!! She is here attending Dental Hygiene School!!!!!

Had Andrew stayed out 1 more year, Brendan would have been as tall as he is. Watch out, Andrew, Brendan is going to pass you up in the height department.

Brendan, Matt, and "KiKi" came by before we had to head to Stuart to meet with the Stake President for Andrew's formal release.

Thank goodness for wonderful friends!!!

The Smars also presented Andrew with a packed full Welcome Home Goodie Basket. Every American Candy he has not had in 2 years was packed in this basket.

Mission Accomplished

He's Home!!!

Andrew arrived at the Miami Airport this afternoon. After waiting, waiting, and waiting at customs, we finally got to hug him and bring him home!

My heart is full of gratitude and joy as I welcome home this wonderful young man,

my son, Andrew!

Megan was the first to hug him, I must say I love this photo of them.

I could not wait to get my hands on him and HUG, HUG, HUG him.

Welcome Home, Son!

Andrew and Ron! Life for Ron will be kicked up a few notches!!!

Everyone got their turn to hug Andrew. The great thing about being in the International Arrival Area is that everyone understands exciting Welcomes and Reunions.

For the record... YES, I was a puddle of tears most of the afternoon. This photo is proof. I cry when I am happy, sad, nervous, anxious, and any other emotional time.

Katherine and Megan were diligent about holding the Welcome Signs. We waited almost 2 hours for Andrew to appear behind the glass wall. It was so exciting to see him and have him see

"Hoss Is Boss"

before he even saw us!

Home Sweet Home!!!

A walk through the Welcome Signs!

Next week, I will write more on this wonderful experience. It has been a long day and we leave for Orlando in the morning for Easter Weekend. Tomorrow, we are going to a Temple Session with Andrew at the LDS Orlando Temple.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Signs Of Excitement

Welcome Home Andrew

This is how my front yard looked before we left for the Miami Airport this morning. More importantly, this is how it looked when we returned!

Thank goodness for the recent national and local political campaigns.... I recycled all the signs for this special occasion!
Now , you did not think I would just place one small sign in my yard or on my house.... no..... try all over the yard!

Living near us is never boring...My neighbors never know what will come and go from here. At least I give them something to talk about....

The yard is full of Welcome Signs.... Along with my Easter Eggs, it looks like one big party place!

Note the Yellow Ribbon round my Ol' Palm Tree. When you need bright yellow ribbon, it is not available...at any of the usual spots! I settled for a medium yellow ribbon for the trees in my yard and my front door.

Welcome Home Elder Hostetler!!!!!!