Ashley is home!!!

What a day! The day started the night before, or super early that morning, however you want to look at it. Already making this too long, I know!

David showed up a little before 1 A.M Apparently I surprised him because I threatened to meet him at the airport even though he was renting a car. Well, I didn't and I think he was a little disappointed. Good to keep him on his toes!!!

 

 

I probably got three hours of sleep but I think even if I had gone to bed earlier I would still have only gotten three hours of sleep. My girl was coming home!!!

 

Everyone was up and we headed to the store to get balloons. David had to go to the store a few times himself.

(Thank goodness for Caroline!)

We had a lot of fun picking out balloons!

We, of course, left for the airport too early. (I blame my dad!) But before that we picked up McKayla. She came along! It was nice having her there. She and Ash have been friends for as long as both of them can remember! Laura came in from Sacramento to be here too and she stayed with Cortney.

 

 

They met us at the airport. It was so good to see her! Tami and her family met us there too! We made posters the night before with the help of our favorite little Whiting boys! They know how to make a poster!!!

 

 

 

We waited, and waited...

and waited!

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then the plane landed.

They were remodeling the airport and outside of the security gate was blocked off so we were a sight! Normal crowds would have a hard time gathering at that end but we did it!

 

 

A week before,  Chyrisse told me she would be coming in for the homecoming. And then she told me she was actually coming in on the same flight as Ashley!!!  I have to admit I was really jealous but then I thought how cool it would be for her to be met in Salt Lake by someone who loves her!

Anyway, Chyrisse came out and by the smile on her face I knew it was just a few moments until we would see her! And five minutes later, there she was!

It was so good to have her in my arms again!

How I missed this girl!!!

 

 

WE cried and hugged and then she moved on to everyone else. She was completely shocked to see Laura and then MaKayla! And even David!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had visited and taken pictures so much that by the time we went to retrieve her luggage, it was locked up so we had to get an authority to let it out of the locker. I have never experienced that before!

Britt and Danni went with David and they were kind of pokey so we had to kill some time before we could go home. We got her our polar pop drink that we had joked about her whole mission and then we drove by Mesa High to show her the new bunny and noticed Quamo's car! She had to see him! And yes, we did interrupt his lesson but I don't think it bugged him too much! And as we were leaving, Mr Brooks pulled up! We got two birds with one stone!

 

We headed back to the house and she got to see Grandma and Grandpa. It was great!

 

We later went to the temple and she held my hand through most of the session. We got to be the witness couple, which is what she wanted. It was a wonderful experience.

And then she was released! She gave me her name badge.

 

I am so proud!!! The Lord has his plans and even crazy moms like me can't change what He has planned, thank goodness!!!

  

 

 

Thanks to my photographers! Are they not the best? 

 

This weekend

It has been awhile, thanks to a certain Texan who says I am too sappy, but I am back! Actually, I have been extremely busy with band stuff and other more important items!!

 Ashley is coming home!

 And I finally put a countdown on my phone and it says she lands in 3 days, 6 hours, and a bunch of minutes and seconds that will change as soon as I type them so I won't bother! How cool!!! We have a few surprises awaiting her and I can't wait to see how this weekend plays out! 

I do know for sure she will be sitting in the way back on the way home from the airport with two young, very spirited, and waay too excited younguns while they talk her ears off with nonsensical stuff! She might be deaf before she even enters the house!!! And funny, that is one thing I am most excited about!!!The love and joy that she will experience as well as the animation those two will express sharing with her whatever is on their minds brings tears to my eyes with anticipation. (Sappy enough for you, dear cousin?) It will definitely be a loud and joyful ride home!!!

Now I just need to get to it. And, of course, I can't sleep!!!

And I am sure I will have more wonderful SAPPY things to share in the next few days!!!