We drove to California for Alex's homecoming, as well as a beautiful bridal shower for Kathleen thrown by the ladies in our home ward. 

At the request of a lot of the ladies, David came at the end to meet everyone, since they weren't having a reception in California.

August 1st was an exciting day for our family. Alex returned home from Panama. Finally! Two years is a long time without him. We are so proud of his hard work and service.

We were in several cars, driving down to the LAX, and we got stuck in the worst traffic. We raced inside, late and frazzled and out of breath (and I admit, I was in tears for missing his first moments of getting off the plane), but none of that matters now because he's here. And we're so happy.

his shoes barely made it through the 2 years - peeling apart as we pulled up to the house.

Mickey remembered his big brother :)

Malinda's painting was waiting for him, in honor of Alex, and also Malinda who wasn't able to join us.

our favorite way to celebrate as a family - backyard bbq on the rocks! My dad is the best bbq-er. The kids were thrilled to be able to help shuck the corn.

Alex got to meet Kathleen's (then) fiance, David

We are so happy to have our favorite Alex home!!

My little sister is getting married, and I couldn’t be more excited! We kept getting rained out on our photo shoots, but in the end, it all worked out beautifully. She is an amazing person, an extremely special sister and friend. David is so lucky to have her. And I couldn’t have chosen a better match for her.

This is one of our favorite spots.

we told Max to smile, and he started pulling out these fancy moves.

look at that face! I love it when her smile is first starting to creep in.

Max is no different than last year

I love when Sydney's birthday comes around. 

the rocking horsefly

bread-and-butterflies

these adorable topsy-turvy cupcakes made by my friend, Pam

the kids each decorated their own mad-hatter top hat

as soon as the race finished, all the kids gulped down the rest of their water like they were dying of thirst :)