Ben Is Home!

A lot of people were shocked that two years had passed and that Ben was coming home, but it didn't seem quick to me. Lots happened in our family during those two years.
These boys sure grew up a lot during that time.

Robbie and Luke waiting for Uncle Ben

Micaela missed Ben so much! They were best friends when they were little, but then Ben decided he wanted to hang out with his four older brothers (and his friends) instead. When Ben went to college those bonds were renewed.
(Sorry for taking this picture, Micaela. I looked the same way.)

We were thrilled that Gary and Tiffany were able to come from Texas. Ben was able to spend a lot of time with their family when he was at Utah State because they were living in Cache Valley at the time.

Ben meets Olivia for the first time.

 Bridger still remembers being buds with his Uncle Ben.

Even though we had been anticipating this day for so long, it felt surreal to me.

Ben's plane had arrived early so Reed & Britney didn't make it to the airport in time. We met them at Los Hermanos. Ben wasn't thrilled to go to a mediocre fake Mexican restaurant when he has been eating delicious, authentic Mexican food for two years, but it is a tradition.

There are no words to describe how it feels to have all the kids together again (and their wives and and kids, of course). I wish I would have known during all those years of arguing (and disciplining) that they would come to enjoy each other so much.

The whole gang after Ben's release.

Our boys have shared a lot over the years: rooms, clothes (including a tuxedo), books, balls, toys--

even a welcome home sign.

These brothers have been close through the years. One time we were at Temple Square seeing the Christmas lights and we noticed that not only were they wearing the same clothes but when Reed would put his knee up on the curb Ben would do the same, etc.