Backtrack Blogging:  Sawtooth Relay 2013

I've become a bit of blogging sloth.  I got a Facebook account couple of months ago, and I put a few things on there.  However, when Rachel came home from her mission, she went back and read every single blog entry I had made while she was gone.  Since Matt is still out of the country and will probably read these when he gets back, and since my parents are leaving on another mission in a month, I feel motivated to keep more current.  Also, this is pretty much all I do in terms of family history.  Better do a better job keeping up.

Adam and five of his friends ran the Sawtooth Relay (early June) again this year.  No driving snowstorms like last year, and Herdegen's Army managed to finish second overall, one spot better than last year.  He and his friends ran well, and I was particularly glad that Adam was able to complete both of his legs.  His physical therapist cleared him to run, and even though he was pretty sore when it was over, Adam powered on through.  Beast!

(l. to r.) Adam, Micah, Connor, Russell, McKay, and Brennen

A very serious bunch, as you can clearly see

These are some hardcore runners.

I'd like to point out that Adam is no longer the shortest
runner on the team.  He's pretty stoked about that.

Second place overall--check out the hardware.  It's the
thought that counts, right?

Running has been a great activity for Adam over the past several years.  He has made some of his best friends in XC and track, and the kids on the team are generally very good kids who don't make dumb choices.  (It would mess up their running!)  Both McKay and Connor are out on missions now, so I especially appreciate their examples to Adam. Strong work, Adam!

Welcome Home, Sister Young!!

She's home!  She's home!  She's finally home!!  Well, actually Rachel's not home right now. She's down in Provo, searching for housing for the fall.  She and Adam planned an epic sibling road trip to see family, meet up with former mission companions and friends, and, yes, find an apartment for next semester.  However, we did get to enjoy her for more than a week before she left, and since she'll be back tomorrow, we are trying not to miss her too much.

Sister Young is the first missionary offspring I've welcomed home, and I'll have to say that it was quite a thrill.  I helped welcome both of my siblings, my parents-in-law, and my parents when they returned from their respective missions, but this felt different.  In some strange way, it felt like my little girl was coming home.  Yes, she's a grown woman now, but my mama heart was ridiculously tender.  Maybe that's why it felt like she was coming home from a very long girls' camp or something.

Karen and I made signs to welcome her home.  I'm sure we looked
a trifle ridiculous, but frankly, I didn't care.

 

I can't really remember what I did with my sign when I
saw her walking down the concourse.  All I knew was that
I wanted to combine eighteen months of hugs into one big
squeeze.  Lots of happy tears, lots of them. . .

As excited as I was to see Rachel myself, I think I was equally excited to have her meet Emily, who was in utero when Sister Young started her mission and who was born on her Aunt Rachel's birthday.  Emily has stolen all of our hearts, and I was anxious to see if Rachel would be as entranced as we are.  I'll let you judge:

Emily, meet Rachel.  Rachel, meet Emily.

Fortunately/Unfortunately, Emily had roseola when Rachel
returned, so she was extra snuggly.  It was a blessing in disguise since
Emily (a.k.a. the whirling dervish) has never been a snugglebug.

I think Rachel was a little surprised to see how much Adam had grown while she was gone on her mission.  He was a few inches shorter than she was when she left and several inches taller than her when he returned.  Can you see a difference here?

January 11, 2012

July 25, 2013

I have a friend who also had a daughter come home from a mission about a week before Sister Young returned.  She said that there was all kinds of "nesting" going on before the homecoming.  I kind of agree.  There's just so much nervous energy to burn.  Adam and Andrew decided to mow a message into the back lawn to prepare for her return.  It was fun to watch them together.

I would have had to climb on the roof to get a good picture of it, but
it read "Welcome Home, Rachel!"  Epic.  Totally epic.

Karen did lots of cooking.  I would love it if she were
my personal chef.  She makes good food!

I held feverish Emily and tried not to go crazy.

What a blessing to have our sweet Rachel back with us!  She's much the same as she was before--funny, fun-loving, and thoughtful--but she seems much more patient, compassionate, and spiritually insightful.  I am thankful for her growth but also very grateful that she's as fun to be around as she was before.  It's just good to have another chick back in the nest for a month or so. How I love my daughter!!  Good job, Rachel!

Welcome Home, Sister Young!!