Home Again, Naturally

I got home from Kent at 1:00 a.m. Saturday morning after several delays on the ground in Seattle and again on the ground at JFK.  I miss my kids and grandkids but it is so great to be back with my companion. It feels weird to think of going from Kent to New York as "coming home".  I realize that "home" is were Marc is.  I feel complete again. It is taking a little time to readjust to the time change combined with the late night arrival and late morning sleep-in the next day.  Many thanks to those who kept my husband entertained/fed while I was out of town.

Kennedy Jo Martin. 1/2 day old.  7 lbs 1 oz.

I find that I keep looking around for a baby to hold.  New little Kennedy is quite a sweetheart.  I don’t care what anyone says, any mother or grandmother will tell you that newborns really do smile.  I was holding her and she looked up intently at me and smiled.  Her mouth hasn’t figured it out yet but her eyes were definitely smiling.  The song "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" kept running through my head.  It was the highlight of my trip.  Although, I felt truly blessed to be able to see all five of my kids and all but three grandkids.  Angie’s youngest ones weren’t sure what to think when they first saw me.  They are used to seeing me on the computer screen and I think were surprised that I was a real person.

2 weeks old.  It was tempting to stay a couple
more days just to hold her.

Favorite animal at the zoo.

I got to spend one day with Austin at the zoo.  The one-on- one time was great and I found that 2 hours is about perfect for both grandma and 3-year-old.  He kept telling everyone his favorite animal at the zoo was the zebra.  Here’s a picture of the zebra he was talking about:  

It was good to be back at Flushing 1^st Branch this morning, and especially to be with the Primary children.  We had a puppet show as we sang Nephi’s Courage that went over quite well—maybe too well, it got quite rowdy but a wonderful time was had by all.

I wasn't sure how I would feel about coming back after being home but I find that I love it here just as much as I did before I left and I'm very much looking forward to getting back to my desk in the office (which by the way was "heart attacked" by some sweet sisters while I was gone.)  Marc says the office elders had to keep moving the hearts out of the way to use the desk and computer, and he made them move them back each time.  

I know these next 7 months will fly by.  I love my mission and feel that the Lord's tender mercies toward His missionaries are too many to count.  

Got to attend our Empty Nesters group while I was home.
This was supposed to be the "silly face" pic but some
were not cooperating.  Love these people.

Marc went to the DMV and was pretty impressed. 200+ people were waiting in line 10 minutes before opening time, and the inside is HUGE.  36 booths and a separate room for people taking tests.  This was taken at 0900, well before peak time!