Two weeks ago Savannah came home!

We did a lot to get ready.

Her plane was scheduled to arrive at 7:44pm on Wednesday night.  Kevin watched the Delta site all day and kept us appraised of her whereabouts.  For a while we thought she'd arrive early, but then she got delayed and was scheduled not to land until 8:32pm.

It was the longest day of my life.

My parents came to stay on Tuesday and were at the airport with us.  Jim and Naoma and even cousin Kayla (who lives in SLC), came to the airport, too!  We had signs and balloons and we waited and waited.

This is Ben long before the plane had even landed.

The plane did land and then we waited and waited for her and the other sister missionaries to come down that long escalator.  Finally, she did!  And we screamed and we cried and we hugged as if gravity had failed and if we let go we might all float away and lose one another forever.  It was a wonderful moment.

So that HAPPENED!  She finally came and we finally calmed down long enough to walk back to the cars.  Savannah's siblings made her a love tunnel into the van and chanted, "We are proud of you!"  They do that.  They are cute -- and supportive!

The next day the younger kids all stayed home from school and we had a big breakfast and we all just listened to Savannah talk and talk until her poor voice went out.  It was pretty wonderful, too.  We could have just sat and listened to her and soaked in the sight of her all day!  She's home!!!

The minute that Sarah's last class was over on Friday, Grandpa Skinner picked her up and they both headed down here so they could squeeze Savannah themselves!  Sarah and Savannah got their own personal reunion.  Happy, happy day!

Earlier that day, we decided to take advantage of the super spirit we were all feeling and go to the temple.  My mom and dad, Jim and Naoma, Kevin, Savannah, and I all did a session together in the new Provo temple that Savannah went through for the first time!  She loved it, of course, and we all loved her!!

On Sunday, we had an open house for Savannah at our house before church and a lot of friends from the ward came to see her and hug her and welcome her home.  Friends brought food and we had quite a spread!  Even one of her first mission companions came!  At church, Savannah spoke in sacrament meeting on obedience and did a fabulous job.  We missed Sunday School to take some pictures!

Sarah had to go back to BYU-I after pictures.  She is doing great things and having her college adventures.  We are happy for her but sad to say good-bye!

My parents had to leave on Monday and that was sad, too!

Guess what?  SAVANNAH STAYED!!

It's been so great to have her home.  I had people tell me that while missionaries are gone, you feel like they've been gone FOREVER, but when they come back, you feel as though they never left.  This is so true and it's been miraculous to feel.  We've all gone around with a Savannah-sized hole in our hearts for 18 months, but when she came back, she filled it perfectly and we are all whole once again! 

Love that girl.

On Monday, another notable event occurred in that Mariah was inducted into the SHS Chapter of Honor Society.  We are proud of her and her scholastic achievements.  Go Mariah!

On Friday night, Cali and Cheyenne performed in a giant play written and enacted by their 7th-grade drama class!  Cali and Chey's part was the best, of course, as they acted out the part of telepathic twins, one bubbly (Chey) and one surly (Calianne).  They were adorable.

Their sisters came to cheer them on!

On Saturday, Savannah's childhood friend, Ana Smith got married and asked Savannah to be a bridesmaid.  I drove up with Savannah and we spent the day in Ogden going from sealing to luncheon to reception.  We had ice cream after pictures and a nap in the car after the luncheon and we made friends with the other bridesmaids and I got to catch up with mom of the bride who was my friend way back when, too.  Savannah and I had a fun day together.  Did I mention that she is HOME??

Creative wedding party pictures!

Cali and Chey and Mariah all ran in track meets this week, too.  Cali and Chey had to run on Friday before their drama performance and in the BLAZING HEAT (80 degrees).  They still had fun, though.  Mariah ran in the BYU Invitational on Saturday where she ran a mile in 5:28 and the 800 in 2:30.  Kevin watched her run and they both had fun, too.  :)

Also, the ward had a talent show Saturday night and not many people showed up but my family were so supportive and went even though Savannah and I were still in Ogden.  They had lots of open spots for talent, too, so Cali and Chey added Megan and Mariah to their drama-class skit and performed it for all!  Cali played piano and Beth and her friend, Josie, did a song too!  Such good sports all!

Kevin went to Arizona Monday through Thursday this week for an IITAP Conference.  He taught three workshops and sold lots of books and overall, made himself more famous and valuable than ever!  We're proud of the good he is doing in the world.

I did take some time to go hiking with Robin this week.  The mountains were calling.  My legs ached for three days. . .  But this picture makes me look super cool.  Plus, it was beautiful.