Elder Rock returns!

Last night was AWESOME! Elder Rock returned from serving the people in the Mexico City, Mexico mission. He looks GREAT and we are so happy to have him home!

I've never been to the airport to pick up a missionary (since he is the first in our family to serve) and it was such a joyous and emotional experience. We were all bawling as soon as we saw him come through the security gate. Mom had been an absolute ball of nerves ALL DAY long. Right before we left to go to the airport she was cleaning the outside of all of the windows in the house with a floor mop with CURLERS in her hair. It was hilarious.

Anyway, you could tell he was overwhelmed and had a hard time thinking of some of the words he was trying to say. Luckily Nate was there to help him do a little translating once and awhile. His suit jacket was shredded and his shoes were VERY worn but he is so HAPPY and I am so grateful for the example that he has set for my boys.

When he walked into the house he couldn't stop the tears from falling. He kept saying, "We are so blessed you have NO idea." He then proceeded to go into the family room and lay on the carpet. We enjoyed a huge feast and spent the rest of the evening looking at all of his pictures and hearing about all of the sicknesses and injuries that you only hear about AFTER the missionary returns home safely!

Here he is checking out the new boat! He was definitely surprised!!! Welcome home James!!!!!