Chantel Came Home!

Last weekend Randy and I flew down to Utah to spend some much needed time with my sister Chantel who just returned from serving a mission in Peru for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Friday night my family spent together bowling, playing mini golf, and driving bumper cars. It was wonderful to be all together again for the first time in 18 months. Spending time with family is refreshing for the tired soul.

First hug!

Saturday, Mom, Dad, Chantel, Randy and I went to the Bountiful temple to perform sealings. It was special to be able spend time in that holy house with my family serving as proxies to bind families together forever and for all eternity who have already passed. I was able to reflect on our wedding day and the promises we made and the blessings that God promises us in return if we keep the commandments. It was another reminder that very little actually matters in the grand scheme, but family, love, service, and obedience to God are the things that do.

Afterwards Randy and I headed down to Salt Lake City to visit with Zane, one of Randy's old roommates. That evening we took family pictures and my best friend Brittany was the photographer! I am so excited to see how they turned out!!! There are some silly ones for sure. That evening was a cousin party for my mom's side. We had some good laughs and ate a lot of yummy food.

Cousins! 

Sunday Chantel gave her homecoming talk in church. She did a beautiful job describing and sharing experiences she had that have touched her life for good and things she has learned. Afterwards family and friends meet at my parents house for food and visiting. I was able to see another best friend Maria.
Some how a lot of friends from Florida have ended up in Utah. It was strange having a Florida reunion in Hooper Utah.

People we love from Florida

That night Chantel shared more of her stories and pictures. The love she has for the people of Peru is overflowing. We also convinced my dad to read part of the book he wrote on his time in the Air Force. My dad doesn't share much about what went on during the first 20 years of my life so it was special to hear him share those experiences. I wish we could have stayed longer, but alas our life in Pullman was beckoning to come back to take exams, to go to work, and continue to live life.

Sisters reunited