The big day has arrived!!!

Thursday was the big day!  It was kind of surreal....so crazy to have Katelyn home after all this time.

 We arrived at the airport early, so excited for her arrival!!

Griffin wasn't really sad, he was just being silly.

So many emotions once we finally saw her coming down the escalator and getting our first hugs.

 

 Jennifer, Emmi, and Brody were able to come to the airport!

And grandma and grandpa, who know well the mixed emotions that a returned missionary experiences.

Grandma, Mom, and Missionary!

The funniest thing.....people warned me that she would have a hard time being alone, but NOBODY warned us that she would insist on standing behind the car and backing us out of our parking spot at the airport.    Evidently a mission rule.  It was great!

After picking Katelyn up at the airport we grabbed some lunch and then went to visit the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point.  We hoped it would be something she would enjoy.  It was beautiful. She seemed in a daze most of the time, but I think she enjoyed it.

The "Light of the World" exhibit was the real highlight of the gardens:  life size sculptures depicting several scenes from the Saviors life and ministry.  They were beautiful!

 

As we headed home Katelyn told us a few stories from her mission, but she was obviously exhausted and soon fell asleep.  It was so good to have her with us again....even when she was sleeping. :)

As we arrived in Cache Valley she kept commenting about how beautiful the mountains were.  I think she missed them.

Our cute friends/neighbors put this sign up for her.  Good thing, because the one we had hung up on the garage blew down while we were gone!

 
Home at last!