Finally Home Back in Washington - June 2016

After being gone for about five weeks, it was actually good coming back home for a little while.

This year, we celebrated our 48th wedding anniversary at home.  Since it was a Sunday, we went to church and came home afterwards to find our table all set up for a wonderful meal at home.

This had all been set up by our granddaughter, Ella, and her mother, Natalie (who got it ready, plus went to their church ward, too!). 

The fantastic meal was served to us by our very special waitress, Ella after taking our orders of either the special "port roast," or the main dish of "roast pork," after enjoying a delicious Caesar salad with either sparkling cider or cider that sparkles to drink. 

Yes, we ordered all the sides, too, and everything was cooked and brought to us perfectly!  It definitely is the best restaaurant on Christy Ct.!  Oh, and Ethan's part:   He looped "unchained Melody," our favorite song, to be played over and over while we ate!  Kent helped supply the great dinner conversation!  We loved it all!  Definitely one of the best anniversaries ever!!! 

When Ella asked me to make her an Elsa costume for her piano recital coming up since she was playing the theme from "Frozen," I was pretty much afraid of how it would work out!  But thank goodness I was blessed to have had my mother teach me how to sew.  I thought it turned out fantastic (with a little help from above!) and Ella seemed pretty pleased.  So many little kids were running up to her thinking she really was Elsa!  It was definitely a success!

In addition, Ethan played a medley of songs from "Star Wars." 

Both of them did fantastic!

Another evening, we were able to watch Ella perform at her year-end dance review.  I think it was fun for Ella to have both sets of grandparents in attendance.

She really did a great job!

It has certainly been fun to live close enough to grand kids so that we can be part of their activities.  George and I enjoy going to all they do and wish we could be at every single activity of every single grandchild!

 Ella had a busy month because besides all of the other activities she was involved in, it was her birthday!  She wanted a sleep-over (I don't know how she talked her mother into that one.  Hah!), so her mother said they could camp indoors.  So, "Welcome to Camp Ella!"


One of the first things they did was stamp their darling t-shirts with, "Happy Camper."

They had grilled hotdogs and all kinds of yummy treats to go with them!

And of course, what's a camping trip without "fish bait," and the "catch of the day," and "grizzly bears," and even "bear poop!"  Oh, my!

They even made s'mores over an outdoor fire pit.

The opening of the gifts is always fun!

It was all going great until the "sleeping" part, which didn't go well at all.  When the older girls came (10 girls in all), they kept telling scary stories that kept the young girls awake.  Need I say more?  I doubt there will be many more slumber birthday parties, but this was certainly a party Ella will never forget (nor her mother!)

 We enjoyed a fun dinner out for her birthday that was much more calm!  Hah!

Natalie, also, had a birthday this month.  I took her for a pedicure for her birthday present, which we both enjoyed!  Great month of June!

Mission Accomplished - Elder Copeland Returns Home June 15, 2016

After serving faithfully for two years on his Mormon Mission to Nicaragua Managua South Spanish Speaking, Elder Copeland was now on his way home.

 

 The house was prepared for his homecoming, as well as the car he would be riding home from the airport.  

At the airport, his family eagerly awaited his arrival.

Both sets of grandparents, as well as the family dog, Koda, were also so excited to see him arrive!

His brother, Taylor, and wife Ellie.

Soon we could see him coming down the escalator!

Elder Copeland's shoes (actually this was a second pair he had to get!) were worn through almost to the inside because of so much walking they had to do.

After returning from the airport, we stopped off with Elder Copeland at the Stake President's office where he was officially released from his two-year service as a full-time missionary.  That was difficult for Elder Copeland to take that name badge off--he had loved his mission and the people so much.  He now became Connor Copeland again.

A big banner awaited him at his house!

 

He walked straight to the refrigerator to see food again (they had  basically eaten only one meal a day for the whole two years and was even skinnier than before he left), but headed straight for the milk!  He had missed real milk so much!

 

 When he got to his room, he went right to the floor and put his face in the carpet--he had not seen carpet for two years either!

So many of the people he taught lived in houses such as this.  He truly realized how blessed he was!  But these were humble, happy people.

His mother had already purchased him some new clothes and had his closet all ready for him.  He could throw away the few things he brought back with him now.

He enjoyed showing his siblings the books and journals that he kept while he was on his mission.

 

We were all excited to see if he still had his swing that made him one of the five top golfers in the state.

His smile tells it all--it felt pretty good to get back to the sport he loves so much--golfing!

In the next few days, we loved going with him for his first American hamburger since he returned . . .

and of course, getting him his first milk shake.  He couldn't wait for that!  We all had so much fun having Connor home!

 Upon returning from a Mormon mission, a missionary gives a report in Sacrament Meeting usually on the Sunday after his/her return.  Connor gave such a beautiful testimony of the gospel and related seven miracles he had experienced while on his mission where the Atonement of Christ was used to change people's lives. 

After the meeting, a wonderful open house was held at the Copeland home for family and friends.

 Two of Connor's former companions, who had just returned home recently, also, attended:  Sam Merrill and Garrett Naisbitt 

 Family friends--the Tilbys

This was such a wonderful time for Connor to see so many people that he hadn't been able to see for the two years he was gone.  He definitely felt welcomed home from the many shown in the pictures above and many more who were in attendance.
As Connor has looked back, he has stated as so many before him have stated, "Those were the best two years of my life!"  He is on to new challenges and adventures.  In August, he will starting college at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, where he has been recruited as a member of the university's golf team!  Best wishes, Connor!  You have served so well and can be so proud of all your hard work!  We love you dearly!