ALLEN IS HOME!!

Allen is back from serving on his mission in the Anchorage Alaska mission!! It has been probably the fastest 2 years of my life. Partly because of Jayanne. But it is great to have him home again! It was fun to be at the airport to see him right after he got off the plane. It got a little insane because his flight ended up coming in like a half hour early but luckily my mom was checking the flight and noticed early enough to notify the family so we were still all able to be there when he came. We were sad that Sheri's family wasn't able to be there but his flight was early and I wouldn't drive from Richmond either but they did come down later in the day so we were all together for part of the day. Anyways, as we were waiting for him to come down we all were joking with my mom to see which one of us were gonna push her out of the way and get to Allen first. We only joked about it because that is what Allen did when Jason got back from his mission. The best part was that Jason's son Bridger ended up being the first one to Allen. He only touched him and then ran but he did get there before my mom. Kinda funny.

Allen and my mom.

Allen, me and Jayanne. She wasn't all that sure about him.

Allen and Emily. It totally looks like they are getting ready to kiss, they of course didn't but it totally looks like it.

Allen and my dad. Its not a great picture but they wouldn't stop moving.

Brian had the camera so I didn't get a picture of him giving Allen a hug and I really only posted the one with Emily because of the position that they are in. HA! Anyways, after we did all the hugs, Bridger, who is 4, walked up to Allen and asked him to play tag. It was really funny. He has been waiting for Allen to come home so he could play tag and have him over to swim. Allen did play tag with him right there at the airport. It was really cute. After the airport, the parents took Allen to be release and we went to the parents house to put up the welcome home sign.

After he came home and we did picture time by the sign, we went to see the grandparents.

Grandma Knighton. She was so concerned how short she would look next to Allen.

Grandpa Stephens. He was just glad to be there with Allen.

Grandma Stephens. She was concerned she wasn't looking her best for the picture but as you can see she is just as fabulous as ever.

The grandparents loved just sitting there with Allen and the rest of us. After we saw them we just went home and had lunch together with everyone before Emily had to leave to back up to Camp Barlett. It was a lot of fun to just be all together again. I will say this, I don't think Allen changed all that much. I know he did spiritually and emotionally but his personality and mannerisms I think are exactly as they were before. It was great to see him again. It is kinda weird since he is usually not around but its great to have him home. All the nieces and nephews are starting to warm up to him and before he knows it he will not have a moments peace anytime any of them are around. I am excited to hear him speak on Sunday. WELCOME HOME ALLEN!!