He's Home!

Is there any greater joy for a parent than the return of a lost child? Craig was so lost when he left for Germany last November, and this is the first we have seen him since he was "found" in January. And what joy it is! His flight arrived in Portland around 11:30 this morning, and we joined the crowd waiting for the passengers to clear customs. A sign there warned us it would be 30 minutes to two hours. They brought at least 9 buses of passengers before Craig finally got there about 1:00 p.m. We had a wonderful reunion. He looks great and couldn't believe the size of Nick - "You're a giant!"

Here's Eric on the way up after combing his amazing beard nice and fluffy, pondering how impressed Craig would be when he saw it. Craig was indeed suitably impressed, lavishing compliments on him.

As we waited, we had plenty of time to wonder why this guy was wearing his balloon hat, holding a ragged spiral notebook up with a "Welcome to Portland" note every time passengers entered.

Craig requested Mexican food for lunch on the way home. Apparently it's impossible to find good Mexican food in Germany! Here's the guys lined up after lunch.
We stopped at Les Schwab in Wilsonville and Craig hid behind some tires and surprised his Uncle Dave when he came out! All the way home, Craig remarked how beautiful it is - even the "Linn County - Grass Seed Capital of the World" sign! When we got home, he walked around the house and yard commenting again how beautiful everything is. He certainly knows how to warm a mother's heart!

I thought Craig might want to take a nap upon our arrival at home, but he says it's best to treat jet lag by staying up til bedtime and getting on the local schedule. He just wanted a shower!

We had dinner on the deck with Uncle Galen and Molly. Doug and Anisa joined us a little later for Will's Dutch oven cherry cobbler. We had a little excitement when Will offered Nick the opportunity to light some charcoal! I'm sure the hair on his arms will grow back!

It got a little chilly so we had to come inside to eat dessert, which was again quite delicious.

Then after the relatives went home, Eric finally got his chance to show off the new video games to Craig and introduce him to Guitar Hero.

Welcome home Craig! We love you!

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (3 John 1:3)