Utica Mission Home

 SURPRISE!!  A few weeks ago, I called Dad and asked him what they were doing this weekend...or if Melissa and I could come visit for a few days.  He was totally shocked and a bit curious why we were wanting to come, but with Melissa moving back to Utah, this was her only chance to come have them meet MJ for the remainder of their mission.  We wanted it to be a surprise for Mom, even though it was father's day weekend...we knew Dad had to be aware so that we wouldn't be messing up their busy busy missionary life.  So with that, Melissa drove with her three girls and I flew in from Austin.  Mom and Dad, coincidentally, had to pick up a visa sister from the airport that was flying in around the same time I was flying in, so Melissa drove from Dayton all day and arrived at the Syracuse airport right when I landed.  

I got off the plane and dad had told Melissa that they were waiting for the "visa sister" outside the gates.  So Melissa and her girls headed up the escalator right as I walked out of the terminal.  Dad saw me ahead of time and redirected Mom to look to where I was walking out.  The look on her face was pure SHOCK mixed with some confusion!  Then she just started to smile big and yelled "what are you doing here?"  Then Melissa and her girls surprised her from the escalator and we all embraced in hugs and tears!  It was so fun and she was very surprised and proud that Dad kept the secret for so long!!!!

 The mission home in Utica is beautiful and very spacious...obviously since it hosts missionaries all the time!  We enjoyed dinner outside on the deck on evening!

 The mission home has a mini Sacred Grove in the backyard!  It is so beautiful!  I love those tall aspen trees!

 Mini "Sacred Grove"

 Sweet MaryJane

 Nana feeding her youngest granddaughter!

I missed my three girls SOOOOO much!  But it was very relaxing to be able to hold this sweet little peice of heaven and get baby hungry!  I enjoyed some relaxing craft time with my sister and mom, some brief shopping, some reading time in a book, and some cuddling time with a newborn!

It was a great weekend but I am ready to see my girls and hubby!