Elder Wilson Makes It Home From Africa!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Welcome Home Elder Wilson!!!

Tyler was originally scheduled to come home on Tuesday, May 17th.  Everything was arranged and Kathy had sent out the flight plans and everything.  Well early in the morning on Monday, Tyler called home and talked with Brianna.  He had been held up because of his luggage and wasn't able to make it on his flight.  So he was going to be coming home a day late.  It was disappointing to me, but I figured what was one more day after two years, but I can only imagine how his mom, dad, and siblings felt about that.  They were crushed I'm sure. But we did all go to great him Wednesday night at the airport.  We had lots of signs and everyone who could make it was there.

Kathy got the first hug of course.

Kevin was measuring his growth.  He only thought he had grown about 1/2 inch on the mission.

The whole Wilson family had on their Mozambique attire to make him feel more at home. 

Shane, Josh, and Shannon

We gave him time to talk with his family and catch up a little bit.

Grandma and Grandpa Ford, Tyler, Marilyn and Vernon Flint

His second family, the Tidwell, Ewell, Guymon, and soon to be Toone.

When he arrived you could tell he was absolutely worn out and tired.  He had flight time of 24 hours with 3 layovers.  He went from Africa to London to Texas to Utah, so by the time he arrived he almost couldn't keep his eyes open.  He gave us all hugs and we were all excited to talk with him, but I think he wanted to just get home and sleep.  It was nice to go to his homecoming on Sunday, May 22nd and get to see all the pictures that he took while he was there, the souvenirs he collected, and talk to him about his mission.  He said the thing he enjoys most about being home is that everything is convenient.  He gave a great talk and focused mostly on his testimony of the Book of Mormon and how it has completely changed his life and changed people's lives in Africa.

He had written faithfully every Monday and I always looked forward to reading what he was accomplishing in the mission.  Our family would hang out with the Wilsons so much while growing up that he is almost a brother to me and it is nice to have him safely home.  I am very proud of him for giving two full years of his life to serving the Lord. What a great example of sacrifice!

Welcome Baby Evan Campbell!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Evan Campbell arrived weighing 8 lbs. 11 oz. and is 21 inches long. We have all been anxiously awaiting the arrival of Evan into the family.  Avery and Camden are the youngest grandkids on the Guymon side and they are 4 1/2 years old, so we haven't had a little baby around in some time.  Megan was due on May 15th and we had heard that they were planning on inducing her on Sunday morning.  Well we were really surprised to find out that the baby had been born at 2 PM!! We' were expecting him to come sometime later that night.  When we found out we rushed to the Riverton Hospital to meet him. When we arrived he has just had his first bath and so he had to be buddled up and cuddled by Megan to get warmed back up before we could hold him.  He was so darling and cute and I LOVED his hair! and Megan didn't even look like she had just been through labor. I love her style; she even had in dangling earrings!

Finally, we decided he was warm enough and we passed him around.  I haven't held a newborn in years and so I do have to say I get a little nervous because I know they are so fragile.  But it was so fun to look at his tiny little nose and mouth and just look at his precious face.  Holding a baby is like holding a little piece of heaven!

Travis finally got his chance.

Trav will one day make the cutest dad ever!!! 

I do have to say that holding Evan definitely made me more excited for when me and Travis decide to start our family.  Babies are a HUGE responsibility, but also so precious and rewarding and the greatest blessing!  Megan and Paul said it was the coolest feeling to see the baby for the first time and just know that he is yours.

We want to congratulate Megan and Paul on their new baby and we know they will be great parents for little Evan!