Family All Together Again, (Almost)
Elder Michael Blanding successfully completed his 2 year mission to the California San Fernando, Spanish speaking mission! We welcomed him home on August 3rd! But of course it wouldn't be a Michael home coming if something didn't go sideways.
Mike's plan was to land around 12 noon, and just as we are about to go get him, seriously, just about to get on the freeway, my phone rings and it is Mike telling us he missed his connecting flight in Salt Lake City and he will be arriving around 4pm. We call that "pulling a Mike". It actually was a good thing because it meant we didn't have to find a parking spot for ZBEAST in downtown Seattle at Pres. Tanner's work office to have him released from his mission. Instead we were able to come home and park at the church building. Steve was also able to get some important work done.
Doreen, Chris, Elder Michael Blanding, Jessie
The HUG!
With Mike coming home from his mission and Jason coming home for a week from BYU, it was great to have all but one (Matt's in Georgia) around the kitchen table again. It does a mom's heart good.
The Gangs all Here!
Alysia, Kray, Mike, Jason, Chris & Jessie
Alysia, Kray, Jason, Mike, Chris, Doreen, Steve & Jessie
(We are on a hill)
With the family all here, we wanted to go camping, but Jessica's dance team practices got in the way, so instead we did some fun day trips. One was to the Museum of Flight (that's always fun), but a new one to us was a Demolition Derby! CRAZY FUN!! It might just become a new tradition.
Doreen, Chris, Jessie, Jason, Mike & Steve
Sweet 16
Jessie turned 16. What can one say when there baby girl turns 16.
Jessie had a birthday party at the beach on a cloudy August day with Doreen home sick in bed.
One of her best friends flew up from California for a visit! Jessie and Meg were joined at the hip the whole time Meg was here!
Meg and Jessie, reunited at last!