It's been such a wonderful trip here in Portland, and we still have one day to go! It was so WONDERFUL to be able to meet Emily at the airport and welcome her home!
Jason and I arrived in Portland early Tuesday morning. We surprised Linda Seymour at her house and visited for awhile, attended Saren's soccer practice (which upon arriving learned it had been rescheduled for Wednesday), and then spent the evening at home visiting. Dan Heath also came over that night and visited for a few minutes too.
On Wednesday, Jason, Lori, Lilliana, and I went to the store "Once Upon A Child," where Jason found the deal of his life: Dueter Kid Comfort 3, a hiking backpack with a child carrier. It's retail price is $300, and we got it for $90! I also found some pajamas, a coat, and pants for Lilliana to wear on the camping trip. It was SUCH and AMAZING store! I learned that there are two of these stores in Sacramento too. SCORE! We will be heading there for sure! Later that night, Jason went to Saren's soccer practice, and afterwords took her to get the traditional Frosty. On Thursday, we ran a bunch of errands during the day, and as we were getting ready to leave for Emily's flight to come in, we found out it was delayed 2 hours! The positive thing about that was that we got to go and see Saren play her soccer game! Jason has been wanting to see Saren play for YEARS, and he finally got his wish. It was so much fun, and Saren did amazing! After the game, we quickly came home, changed, got the Welcome Home posters for the airport, then off we went! The pictures at the airport pretty much tell the story.
Today, we went out to lunch at Sweet Tomatoes (like a Fresh Choice), and then went to the temple. Saren, Lilliana, and I went to the Visitor Center and walked around the temple while Emily, Jason, Lori, and Barry did a session. After their session was over, we all took pictures together outside of the temple, then visited the Visitor Center. Tonight we ate some homemade cheesecake to celebrate Emily's birthday, and she opened gifts. We are all SUPER exhausted, but we have been filled with excitement and joy to have this time to spend together. We can't wait until July when Ben, Celeste, Seth, and Noah will also be here and we can all be TOGETHER!
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| I love playing with the vent! |
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| Auntie Saren is so much fun. |
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| The little seat she eats in. |
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| Grandpa and Auntie Saren rocking Lilliana. |
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| Time for a nap! |
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| Jason best find and buy! And I think Lilliana will really enjoy it too. |
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| At the Saren's soccer game. |
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| Look at those moves! Way to go Saren! |
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| Anxiously awaiting Emily's arrival... |
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| What Emily saw as she walked our way! |
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| EMILY!!! |
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| Taken with Sirlin's camera. I love her face! |
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| Mother and daughter embracing after a long time apart. |
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| Auntie Em and Lilliana at the Portland Temple. So adorable! |
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| The reflection pool at the temple. |
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| Beautiful Emily! |
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| Lilliana liked playing on the marble benches. |
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| Don't worry Emily, he's out there somewhere waiting for you! |
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| Smelling the roses. She thought it was so funny! |
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| Emily with Barry and Lori. |
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| Saren is SO EXCITED to have Emily back home! |
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| Jason, Lilliana, and me with Emily. |
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| Our little family :) |
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| Such a precious picture! Grandma Lori with Lilliana. |
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| At the Visitor's Center in front of the Christus statue. |
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| So precious. Lilliana is looking up at the Christus Statue. |
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| She loves holding His hand! |
Tomorrow will be another fun-filled day!
