Homecoming Weekend and Family Bonding

The few days Alex was home before going to BYU-Provo were packed with immediate and extended family time, unpacking from his mission, packing for college, and lots of time talking.   We hosted an evening for a few close families to come and hear mission stories and ask questions.

Then Saturday we had a fun extended family hike to Umptanum Creek Falls (the smoke had been so bad in Yakima from fires that we had to search for a spot to escape the smoke).

Of course, Poppi and Nate had to join the pioneer club first - many others followed.

Tyler and Alex have loved spending time together.

The hiking crew

Saturday evening we were honored to host a dinner for the Grandmas (Ami, Grannie, Great grandma Ditto), Poppi, Aunt Laurie, and Sis. Day (Alex had served with her when he first arrived in Romania).  We had korean bbq pork, quinoa and salad.

Alysee put together this fun display of treasures that Alex had collected from his mission.

The lovely ladies in the kitchen preparing for the homecoming feast the following day.

After dinner with our special guests, Alex shared memories and answered questions about his mission and then Grannie shared a very special priesthood line authority chart that Great Grandma Harvey had made with Grannie.  It was a wonderful night!

Sunday - Homecoming Talk and festivities

Alex gave a wonderful homecoming talk.  He had not been feeling well since he had gotten home four days prior and had asked Birch for a blessing.  He was blessed with the energy that he would need to share his message and be able to visit with all who made the special effort to come hear him speak.  Alex said he felt totally lifted the whole day -- and then crashed at bedtime.

Here is a link to listen to his talk.  It was just A.W.E.S.O.M.E.

Alex's Homecoming Talk - Aug 19, 2018

He didn't type out his talk but I did find some notes 😂

The afternoon was filled with family, food, and fun!!  Caroline and Alex had an arm wrestling match.  We had Korean Chicken lettuce or corn tortilla wraps, Coconut Rice, Slaw, veggie trays, chips, cookies (thanks to all those that helped!)

It was so special to have Sis Larri-Lea Day and Alex's trainer, Elder Giron drive up from Vancouver, WA for Alex's homecoming.

Aunt Laurie made the long drive from Helena.  She has been so supportive of Alex while on his mission.

This woman, Great Grandma Ditto is just amazing.  We're so thankful that her health allowed her to drive from Montana as well.

Showing off our handmade Romanian shirts Alex purchased for each of us.

Blayre and Ryan are the best!!

Grannie said that Alex's homecoming weekend was the highlight of her summer.

I wish we had taken a picture with all who came to hear Alex's talk.  Really it was so amazing to see friends from other wards in attendance, Alex's first mission companion from Oregon, friends from the Tri-cities, previous school friends, other missionary's parents that live in Washington state and drove over to listen to his talk, many non-member friends, lots of cousins, aunts, and uncles, etc...  It was a packed house and moment totally worth celebrating!

The following morning we got up at 3 am and drove to Seattle to catch a flight to Oahu, Hawaii!!!  We had been saving for the past two years to make this trip possible.  It was surrell to actually be in the air knowing that the sacrifices that we had all made to make this trip happen was finally coming to fruition.  We had a wonderful time despite Hurricane Lane that did it's best to shut down the island!

Surfing!

Hiking to Lulumahu falls

We're sure proud of our kids!

Lots of time playing in the sand

Visiting the Laie Hawaii Temple and doing baptisms

Jumping off Waimea Rock

Hiking Kaena Point

Hiking up Crouching Lion 

Surf Lessons

Parasailing

A family that plays together, stays together.

And so Elder Ditto's mission blog comes to a close.  As much as I am so glad he is home, I am really going to miss those Monday letters and pictures.  We're so thankful for the example he has been to our family and for the love that the Romanians, Moldovans, and Hungarians have shown to Alex.  I know that God is pleased with his efforts to spread His light and love for the people in Eastern Europe.  I'm pretty sure Alex would say it has been his...BEST TWO YEARS!!!