He's Home!

Remember My missionary? 

Well, the best gift we received this season was having my baby brother, Jeff,
come home from his mission!

Jeff served the people of Auckland, New Zealand for 2 years sharing the message

of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. For more information, please see mormon.org

We were so excited to see him. The anticipation was killing all of us.

Especially when a wreck on I-15 made us drive through the back-roads to get to the airport...

You better believe we were all praying hard we'd make it on time!

Don't worry. We made it with plenty of time to spare. And go crazy waiting. 

Then finally, we saw Jeff and 3 other elders come down the escalator!

There is nothing like that first hug. 

And the next 50 hugs after that. 

Jackson was thrilled to finally got to meet his Uncle Jeff!

Actually...I was a little more thrilled for this historic moment. 

But don't worry - Jeff and Jackson are buds now. 

Jeff even changed his diaper before we left for home again. 

If that doesn't say 'best uncle ever', I don't know what does. 

It felt so right to finally have him home. Since we were all fighting over who got to sit next to him 

in the car, Jeff got to sit in the front seat. My handy - dandy daddy rigged up a microphone system

so that he could talk and tell experiences the whole way home and

 even the people in the very way backof the 12 passenger van could hear his voice.

 He does a slight accent. It's pretty cute. 

He has some amazing stories and his testimony has grown so much. 

His strength and witness of the truthfulness of the gospel has strengthened mine. 

To see my profile on mormon.org please click here.

My mom told Jeff we could go anywhere he wanted for dinner. 

His answer? Taco Bell. 

Apparently he hadn't had a taco in 2 years. 

So of all the places available to us in Salt Lake...we went to Taco Bell. 

Good news was we got to order ANYTHING we wanted! 

We were so grateful for Jeff for setting a wonderful example and serving an incredible mission. He put his whole heart and soul into it, and I have caught him saying things like "back home they say.." meaning 

back in home in New Zealand. He truly loves the people and the land there.

He brought back some great souvenirs, such as an All Blacks jersey, Rugby Balls, 

lots of jewelry, lava lava skirts, and traditional Mowri items individuals made for him.

Jeff had the opportunity of serving in Mowri areas and learning a little bit of the language. 

He also picked up some NZ lingo.

My favorite? "Let's Feed!" Translation: "Let's eat!"

My other favorite: "I look skux deluxe!" Translation: "I look awesome!"

If you couldn't tell already...we were just a little excited to have him home. 

Hence the ginormous welcome home poster!

But as excited and grateful we are to have Jeff home,

we are even more grateful for his dedicated service to our Father in Heaven. 

We love you Bubba!!