"Well Done, Thou Good and Faithful Servant"

Matthew, David, and I just returned from our trip to Colorado to welcome my baby brother, Ryan, home. We had such a wonderful visit! I was a little grouchy for it--I know I chose to be--but I guess I really struggled with how the boys behaved for me while they were staying at Grandma and Grandpa's house. It's like my respect as their mom went out the window and it only mattered if Grandma or Grandpa okayed activities--which by the way, when do Grandma or Grandpa ever say "no"?

At any rate, below are the pics from the party-packed week. Okay, my mom has been talking about this rocket for quite some time. She found it at Toys 'R Us and Matthew could not let it out of his sight. He was in heaven.
My parents just finished remodeling their kitchen, and I think my dad did an amazing job! The counters were done by Lowe's, but he did the flooring, the knobs on the doors, the appliances, etc. Beautiful! And of course, I love my wonderful parents. I don't think a child could ask for better!

Kristin and Nick gave Matthew this really fun tent. He immediately thought we needed to camp. Thank you guys!
My dad built this fountain, and I love it. It has become one of my favorite things of my parents' home--to sit and listen to the water or just to watch the waterfall down the rocks. However, as of late, I HATE this fountain!!! David thinks it's a swimming pool/free drinking water. Plus, he kept filling up his bucket and dumping rocks in it when no one was looking. The child thinks he's a fish!
Steven loves to hold babies. Unfortunately, David is past this point; although, he did let him hold him in this picture. Steve was a little bit upset.
Blowing out the candles--a new found favorite for Matthew.
In case you've never been here, this is Denver International Airport (DIA). These majestic mountainlike structures cost a couple billion dollars. Do they seem so majestic now??! I just feel like we waste a lot of money on non-essentials.

Matthew was so excited about the signs that my cousin, Nicki, made for Ryan.

Kathy and Dennis McLeish
Grammy and Mom
Nick, Dennis, and Pop-pop

Kristin and Nick
Steven, Gabi, and soon-to-make-his-debut, Baby Alec (chosen name right now)
Mom and Diane
Kristin bought David and Matthew some ice cream to pass the time. It was a life saver! Thanks, Kristin!
Grammy (Isn't she absolutely beautiful?!) and Pop-Pop

David loves all the men of our family. Each has this built-in "dad-meter" of fun and "Let's throw the kids in the air!".
I have a picture of every woman in my family crying--except for Kristin, I guess. That's just what we do.
My brother, Ryan, and my mom.
Dad, Mom, and Ryan
Ryan and me

Matthew was so thrilled to see Ryan.
Okay, I'm not sure that I have a memory that did not involve cookies when it came to Ryan. This guy made cookies almost every single day after school and they were gone just as fast. We couldn't resist making them!!!
The seafood fest was probably my FAVORITE party--since there were like 4 out of 5 nights. We ate shrimp cooked different ways, crab legs, halibut, hush puppies, fries, salad, fruit, and lobster. The food was incredible!
My manly Matthew in his new Lightning boxers!
And I love this picture. This is how I mostly remember my brother. He has such a kind and caring heart. He really will give you the shirt off of his back and goes out of his way to make sure that you know he loves you. He's always checking to make sure people feel included and welcome. And he acknowledges people. This is a guy who assumes the best in people and just loves unconditionally.

When missionaries come home, it is customary for them to give a talk about their mission, sort of like a report in of what they did over the last two years. I felt like I was looking at different person. He left a boy and came back a man. He left with a testimony, but came back deeply, deeply rooted in the Gospel. He has such a strong testimony now and a vast knowledge of the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants. Ryan grew up so much, and I'm so proud of him. His mission was not easy for him in any way. It took a lot of courage to leave all of his comforts at home to serve the Lord for two years of his life. I know there were many days where he was rejected and felt down from the trials of being out there. He struggled with health issues. He felt alone. For those who don't know, missions last for 24 months for male missionaries/ 18 months for female missionaries. They are not permitted to call their families, but 4 times total (Christmas and Mother's Day). They, of course, can exchange emails once a week with family, and write letters, but that's it. They're with a companion the same age for those two years. It's a big challenge. I think Ryan had a lot of joy in the work (He had a lot of success in teaching. And his mission president commented about how Ryan was such a good part of the field. There were definitely many good and even GREAT days), but it was also difficult. I am so proud of him for finishing strong, and never giving up. He worked hard each day, and I'm just aboslutely touched by his example of Christlike attributes. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."