Logan and I got to hop on a couple of planes to Utah to welcome Courtlyn home!! She's been in Ecuador for 18 months, serving as a missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Twenty-four hours before our flight was scheduled to depart, I was in bed with the worst stomach pain I have ever felt. I was about to change my flight, but after lots of prayers and blessings, my food poisoning ended after lasting 10 hours. Soooo thankful we were able to keep our original itinerary. I was definitely weak & not feeling my best, but we were getting on that plane to see Hermana Rowley.
I hadn't traveled alone with Logan since he was five months old. Surprisingly, this time around was much easier. He did so well. He had his toys, books, and the TV on the chair in front of him to entertain himself. He probably spent 50% of the flight standing up on his chair looking around at everyone.
The only downside was out of 11 hours of flight time, sweet Logan slept for 40 minutes... I don't know how he managed because I was exhausted haha.
Plus one more short nap when we landed in SLC! We had the pleasure of sitting on the runway for just under an hour because Customs didn't open until noon and we were early. :') At least Logan was asleep... & we were in UT!!
We hadn't seen these people since July and I was so excited to hug my dad. Seeing everyone interact with Logan is always my favorite. FaceTime isn't quite the same as being face to face with your family. <3
We headed home and got all settled. That night, Logan familiarized himself with the house and we made final preparations to welcome our Hermana Rowley home.
The next day, we got back in the car and headed to the airport to pick her up!!!!!!!!!!! We had been talking about this day for so long and I can't believe it came. I missed Courtlyn so much. I could count on her to call me almost every day when she was at USU. She's one of my best friends & lots had changed since we said goodbye two summers ago.
The airport was CRAZY. There were at least 30 families there to welcome home their missionaries on a Wednesday morning. They had lanes all taped off and a certain set of doors designated for missionary arrivals.
Family and friends gathered around us and we stood on our tiptoes trying to see our missionary through the cloudy glass doors.
Then there she was, right in front of us, speed walking into Mom's arms while we cheered and cried. <3 It's a moment and feeling I won't forget. Truly like heaven seeing and hugging her. One cousin remarked how you could feel the Spirit as soon as you saw her. She truly was the best missionary and knows the Savior so well.
We hugged and stood in awe, not really believing she was right there!! She got to meet her very jet-lagged nephew and finally felt like a real aunt. ;)
The best, best, best day.
We ran and got some pizza at Litza's with Grandpa and Grandma before driving home.
Driving home from SLC felt like getting off of an emotional rollercoaster. There had been so much anticipation and excitement upon Courtlyn's arrival, when we finally had her with us I crashed haha. We all may have dozed a little in the car between Crumbl cookies.
We gave her a "tour" of the house and she told us everything that was different. Got in her comfy Sunday casual best & we soaked up every minute from that point on of being together. <3
Welcome home, Courtlyn! We're sooooo proud of you.
