A ray of light from Connecticut and an anticipated Homecoming!

I'm so sorry it's been so long since I have posted. Last Thursday we had a very exciting day. We had some dear friends come visit us from Connecticut. Actually they were here to visit family, but details, details. They came and hung out with us for a night! It was so much fun to visit and catch up with them. It warmed my heart to be around Lisa again. And it was so sweet to see H and Monkey play like they hadn't been apart for very long. Bug and J got along fantastically! They were so cute together. I love the age they are at right now, so playful, loving and curious.
How I wish we didn't live so far away from each other.

And if that wasn't exciting enough for one night............
TA DA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elder Brad is home!
We have waited two long years to see him again. I know he misses France, and the mission, but we are so excited to have him back. And we are so proud of him. I was so impressed with his emails he sent home. He was always striving to do his best and I think that is the most any of us can do.
Monkey has missed her Bradley so much, praying for him every night and asking where France is on the map. She even told her preschool teachers that Uncle Brad was coming home that night.
She made presents for him, and she hugged him so tight when he walked in the door, you could feel the love and excitement that she was feeling.

Bug on the other hand wasn't too sure about this stranger entering Grandma's house. We had tried to prep her, practicing Brad's name, showing her his picture at Grandma's house, but this was the first time she had met him in person. Since we had shown her his picture earlier, we had him walk over by the picture to help her understand that this was the same person as in the picture on the wall. Then I gave him a hug to show Bug he was a friend and Bug gave him a hug immediately after. Sorry no picture, but it was cute nonetheless.
Welcome home to an awesome missionary, a fantastic uncle and a great brother. We love you!