Drinking Her In

We have one month to drink Maisie deep into our souls, and then she leaves, forever.  Meaning, she'll never really come back and live here.  We're taking every chance to let her in.  

We join her while reading and chatting on the balcony.

We join her when she makes goated connections during CFM.

She taught us about Dunkin' Refreshers -- so off we go.

Because she's loved, her mission companions came to hear her homecoming talk.  Maisie testified so clearly and intentionally about forgiveness and Jesus's role in that process.  She spoke about her NH friends and their joy when feeling His power in their lives.

L-R: Waffs, Babs and Casserole

She did it!  We love her.

Together we watched Ryan and Molly in the youth talent show -- look at Ryan "riding the waves."

Maddie is winning track races.

Ryan asked to make cookies -- he did it all by himself.  So good -- both the process and him.

Now more than ever we miss our missionary, Nick.  Maisie pines for him whenever his picture crosses the Google Home or when we are laughing and singing.  He is working hard in the heat and mold.  We have a new plan for washing the mold out of his clothes -- it's a vinegar bomb.  We're all amazing when he switched in rapie-fire Portuguese.  "He's so wholesome," is Maisie's summation of him.  She's right. He is.

SHE'S HOME

Sister Maisie Babcock has returned from the New Hampshire Manchester Mission! We're so glad!!!

My little girl felt so brave in my arms -- I didn't want to let her go.  She arrived glowing with light and filled with purpose.  She beamed. (Mostly the mom gets walked on and hardly recognized or noticed, but not when missionaries come home.  I am always the first one to hug and love our valiant warrior.  NGL, I deserve it.)

Austin joined in our revelry.

And so did her silblings (minus Nick -- the soul soldier still serving).

We couldn't get enough of each other.  We're just so happy she's home.

After we collected her luggaage and stopped to buy new garments, Austin took us to lunch.  The round table fit our needs perfectly. 

We had to stop at ROSS, wherein Molly wanted these items.  

After meeting with President Hall, we spent the evening eating and playing games.  Austin smacks down the bands, so the fun really happens when we are all vying for the extra cash.  Basically, we didn't want the night to end.

Saturday we were up early for a 10 mile rappelling adventure.  Andy thoroughly fueled -- we laughed so hard that he used a mixing bowl to serve himeself the proper mush quantity.  He ate so much food.  Maisie blended in perfectly with the din of the day, and it almost felt like the last 18 months of separation was just a bad dream.

Instead of prepping for our adventure, I found myself kissing and loving Baby Jell.  She's delicious.

Sedona in the spring is perfect in every way. 

  Just 30 minutes from our doorstep lands us right into a thickly populated tourist pocket.  Austin's new hobby pushes right past the scores of people and right into the washes and thickets were lulus and heavy perfumes dare not go.  Our canyoneering adventures are not for the faint of heart.  We pushed really hard to ascend, luckily the descent is really worth it.

Our playground.

We got home mid afternoon hungry to be reunited with the Armstrongs.  They accepted our Bocce dinner offering with pleasure.  

The resident grandparents took up residence at the picnic table with the twinnies -- they let us love them and help them.  

More evening games and more money made.

Sunday we fasted, prayed, and testified.  These siblings fiercely love each other.  This family works hard to choose God and love others.  We live so imperfectly which makes our family unit perfect when we combine and unite our efforts with Christ.

Flag football in word is not an appropriate Sunday behavior, but somehow it deed it feels like it is.  Look at that sky, try to feel the warmth of both temperature and temperment, and drink it all up -- at least that's what we all tried to do.

Evening came and choir happened with gusto and gladness.  Andy's backpack was tickled at their trick.  Andy's Becca endured us all so well.  She's so lovely.

Sweet Nick missed it all -- which made us miss him more than ever.  Maisie pined for his presence; we all did.  Being together for a quick weekend is everything celestial and glorious.  There is so much happiness and hope in eternal family units.  No wonder God wants this for all of His children -- I know I do.