Oh, wait I have that backwards, don't I? Well, words are all I have right now. When Chuck left for Germany to pick up our son from his mission, his final instructions from me were "take LOTS of pictures". Well guess what? Apparently the landscape in Germany is practically identical to that in Virginia, so really no need for pictures. YES! That really is what he said to me!
They did have a great time. They toured around for four days before flying home. Chuck had the opportunity to meet some of the people Chuckie worked with and served as a missionary with the past two years. We know he has forged realtionships that will last throughout his life and are grateful for the opportunities he has experienced.
We at home were so excited to see them and knew that the 25th would be a very long day of waiting. Little did we know just how long! Their flight out of Germany was cancelled. We waited all day to hear from them and to know when and where they would fly in to. Finally at 10 pm, Chuck called from Chicago saying they would arrive in Richmond just after midnight. Only about six hours late, not bad.
Of course we were all thrilled to see Chuckie and enjoyed a bunch of family and friends coming and going throughout the next five days. We also squeezed in shopping for new clothes (you know, things in a few colors other than black and gray, and not ties!) dentist and doctor's appointments, a few good movies, a day at Busch Gardens, and lots of pictures and stories from the mission.
Next, it was time to pack up for school. I flew to Utah with Chuckie to help get him settled in to his apartment and to visit Afton and Andrew in their new apartment as well. It was a second tearful, happy reunion at the Salt Lake airport. Not only were Afton and Andrew there to welcome us, but my brother Rob and his darling family as well. I didnt get any pictures here either, but Afton got some and has posted them on her blog (aftonicole.blogspot.com).
We have had a wonderful month, full of family and reunions. We are so very grateful to all those who add so much to our lives and who touch us in ways they will never fully know.
