WONDERFUL

Last night we had the best time! We had an open house for Robert. It meant so much to us that family and friends came by to tell him hello and welcome him back. It was so nice to see so many people that loved and cared about him took the time out of their busy schedules took the time to stop in and say hello. Thank you to each one of you! It really did mean a lot to us, and to Robert as well. For the week that he has been home he kept asking why we were doing this open house. I suppose it is a sort of closing to the mission. He wasn't really looking forward to it, but as the night wore on I could tell that he was having a good time, and happy to see people and have the chance to talk and visit for a few minutes.

There were several "groups" in the room. The family and friend group. This consisted of the older generation of people. Friends of mom and dad and the aunts, grandparents, extended "family" members, etc. They were all so kind to come and it is appreciated very much. Then there was the "pre-mission/high school" group of kids. This group consisted of boys, most of them RM's, and girls from high school. It was so nice to see them all again. It had been a long time and was nice to catch up with them and what they are doing with their lives. I have seen some of the girls several times and try to keep up on what they are doing. The boys on the other hand, well, most of them have been on missions. It is amazing to me how much they have all changed and grown. I am so proud of each one of them. There were a couple of them that use to be very quiet and not say to much. It was fun to watch them last night and talk with them and see how their missions have changed them and how they have matured. I was so proud of each one of them, and so thankful that those kids were a part of Robert's life growing up.

The last group was the "mission" group. It was like a small reunion. These "anziani and sorelle" who began their missions together were once again reunited. It was such a sweet moment to see them as they hugged one another and caught up on each other's lives. True bonds were forged two years ago in that small MTC class room. They will forever be one anothers "elders and sisters". We had the opportunity to chat with several of them and they really are an amazing group of women and young adults. I am so thankful to each one of them and for the example and strength that they were to Robert while he was serving his mission.

It really does take a village to raise a child. I am so thankful for the village that we are a part of. There are so many people that have been a part of our children's lives and I am thankful to each one of them. Our boys would not be the people they are without the influence of such good people.

Thank you to each one of you. Because of you our lives are better. We love you and thank you for your love and support and for your friendships.

 Friends

Missionaries

(pictures aren't the best, they were taken with my cell phone)