We got to be there at the airport when he flew in. It was my first time seeing a missionary come home, and it was a neat experience.
Jared was just 2 years old when Trevor left, and Allison was four months old (younger than Thomas is now!) The kids took right to him... I think he's the new favorite uncle.
Meeting Thomas for the first time!
Along with an increased testimony, leadership experience, love of the scriptures and the people of Russia, Trevor brought with him an incredible tolerance for cold as well as...
HATS! ("ushankas") Here Adam's parents are posing as weather-worn Russians. It's interesting to see Trevor's pictures. The missionaries are the only ones ever smiling (or, rather, grinning). Trevor said that's part of a Russian's "public face." They never smile broadly or talk loudly in public.
Two weeks after Trevor got home, we drove back up to Bolingbrook to hear his homecoming talk. So did Jenny and Dave and their girls! Dave had a dental conference, so it worked out for them to fly out from Washington for the weekend. Jared and Allison got to play with their only cousins, and they had a great time.
While we were there, Mom put her kids to work helping her recover the sewing tables.
Lizzie (almost 3) followed Jared around everywhere, and they actually played pretty nicely together (although Jenny did catch a pretty funny video of Jared refusing to share his train with Lizzie, then suggesting she go play in the corner by herself).
