Happy Birthday Nashie

Nashie is 16!  Seriously how did that happen?  We celebrated by going to Chom for dinner- Nash's choice.  We came home and he opened presents.  He got a new sweatshirt and some new basketball shoes.  He was so sweet and told us not to get him any presents since his present is the audi that will now be his.  He is so excited to have freedom and drive himself to the church everyday he wants to play basketball.  After presents, we enjoyed caramel brownies that Nash requested and some ice cream.  Here is to an amazing year for our 6 foot 4 gentle giant!  Love you Nash.

Nash is a licensed driver

Stay off the roads friends!  Nash got his license today.  He was able to take his test a few months ago so the only stressful thing today was taking a picture!  He gets the Audi as his car and I am certain he is excited about his new found freedom.  I am excited that he can drive himself to play basketball! Congratulations Nashie!

Tag's Band Concert

Tonight was Tag's Christmas band concert and it was a packed house!  He got to perform two songs: All is not calm and Tidings.  He did an amazing job.  He has come so far in a semester.  So proud of you Tiggy!

Homecoming Sunday

Today Luke got to give his homecoming talk and it was seriously amazing.  It was so great to see his growth in confidence- he looked like a pro up there.  He spoke on how he strengthened  his relationship and testimony of Christ. He spoke with Leia Alvord who also just returned from her mission.  Fun fact, they were baptized on the same day.  After his talk we all went back to our home to enjoy some yummy food.  It was so fun to see all of the family and friends that came to support him.  It is such a blessing to have him home.

Sibling Fun

Growing up, the kids loved to watch a show called Drake and Josh.  A few weeks ago, Harlee found out that Drake Bell would be coming to Utah to do a concert.  The four oldest decided to go together to the concert and I was so excited.  I love that they get to spend time together making memories.  They had a great time even though they only knew a few of the songs.  Love that they took an obligatory photo for their mom.  

The gangs all back together...

I slept so good last night knowing all of my babies were under the same roof!  We had a fun family day planned and I could not wait.  We let every skip school and Joey and I took the day off work.  We slept in a little and then went to breakfast at Kneaders.  We wanted to enjoy a full circle moment as this is where we ate for our last meal together before Luke left.  I have to admit that it was a bit more enjoyable today than the last time!  After breakfast we went to Top Golf for some more family fun.  It was seriously the best feeling to all be together.  After some golfing and Tag opting to try a donut hole (what?) we went to our favorite family restaurant, Goodwood.  So perfect!  We headed home so that our missionary could get released.  It was such an amazing experience.  The stake president asked Luke to share his testimony and asked for part of it to be in Creole.  What a beautiful moment.  I am so proud of Luke.  I just know that he has so many wonderful things coming to him and will be so blessed for his two years of diligent service.  Luke is such an example to all of us and I am beyond grateful to have him home.

Even better than I had dreamed...

He's HOME!  I cannot believe it.  His flight was to land at 8:51pm but around 7pm I checked the flight status and it was early.  He was now supposed to land at 8:29pm.  I hurried and let everyone know and we rushed to get to the airport.  We arrived a little after 8pm and greeted family and friends as they arrived.  This is really happening!  Luke messaged me as soon as he landed around 8:30pm and by 8:48pm I was getting my hug.  One of the best moments.  Luke looks amazing!  So happy!  We were there for about 40 minutes while he chatted with all of the people that came to support him.  He had friends from his mission, his friends from high school, and so much family.  I am so thankful for everyone that supported him during his mission and tonight.  We stopped at McDonalds on the way home and then stayed up chatting for a while.  It felt so amazing to have all of my blessings under one roof.  I will sleep so good tonight.  So proud of this son of mine!