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What an amazing 2 weeks it has been. I will try and wrap up this, over 2 year long blog, with this one last post then we will print his last blog book! (Okay there will be one more after this one with his release and homecoming.) I last left off with the airport and all of that crazy, fun excitement! Elder Layton was first released as a missionary over the phone just as we were leaving the airport parking lot. President Gibbons was going out of town very early that next morning and it was about 10:15 pm when he called him.

COMING HOME:
It was fun to watch Landon come in the house and look around. It was funny as we all followed him around as he took the home tour. At one point he turned around and we were all "right there" with him and he laughed. Many things were the same and yet many things were different as well. We took out 2 walls from a bedroom and turned it into a dining room and put in new flooring in the dining and living room. Painted and with some new decor it made for a new look. I think he really liked the changes. Also coming home on December 15th meant that the house was decorated for Christmas and was all festive. I tried to go all out this year and make it extra special.

One of the first things he did was pick up our dog Lucy and give her a love. Then he opened the fridge and took out a gallon of milk and poured him a glass and drank "American milk". Next he went downstairs. The basement had new paint, carpet and a new storage room which gave it a new fresh look. He went to his room and fell on his bed face down! "Awe, my bed!" I'm sure going from a twin to a queen will feel amazing!

Funny story about the luggage... This luggage was drug all over Africa and never had a problem. Lindsay, being so helpful, picks the luggage up (by the roller handle, not the strap handles) out of baggage claim and rips off both of the handles! I guess it was a little heavy ;) We had a good laugh about it. Both suitcases went in the dumpster anyway. So happy I got a picture of them though with all of that African dirt.

He opened up his suitcase and presented each of us with some African clothing. Dresses or skirts for the girls and boombas and ties for the guys. I don't have a picture of each of us, only a few.

 

This is a pillowcase that Sister Weed gave to the Missionaries for Christmas.

After, what was probably the best shower in the world, Landon ate the dinner that he had requested... Chicken Pillows. It just felt so good to feed him! We need to put a little weight back on his bones.

The following morning after breakfast we went shopping. Shopping for new clothes at Target and I must say we got some cute things!  All 4 sisters came along and we really had a good time. Later that night we went to dinner at Joy Luck for some Chinese food. Landon had been craving their Tangerine Chicken and it didn't disappoint! 

After dinner the Strong's hit the road to go back to Henderson, NV. They came up for the airport and then again 2 weeks later for the homecoming. It sure was fun having them here and they said that they would NEVER miss it!

Here are a few pictures that I've taken the past couple of weeks...

Shelby took Landon as her date to her Goldenwest work dinner at Parkstone.

Time for the post mission checkup for TB and Schistosomiasis tests. TB was negative and waiting for the other one but feel it will be just fine.

Lunch with a good friend Syd! 

Went to the shooting range a couple of times with the family. 

Continuing to love studying!

 

Boomba wearing day visiting Weber State University where Landon will start on 1.6.14

 

Little Caesars Pizza. Check.

 

Perler Bead Elder that Ellie made for her Uncle Landon.

Christmas Eve. The BEST Christmas EVER!!!

Christmas morning opening his blog books. Just one more to go to make the complete set. Each book is 6 months. These will be a great journal for him to have and add to his journals. Landon also received a laptop, Kindle paperwhite reader, and sheepskin seat covers for his Bronco, among a few other things. 

 

Notice the beautiful African Nativity in the background! Love.

Christmas night the kids played Christmas Bingo that Lindsay made and brought. They played it while traveling to Utah and then finished it here. There were some great prizes too! Thanks Strongs, it was a lot of fun!

 Landon gave gifts to everyone that he brought back from Africa. They were all a hit! The Strongs received this family of elephants with 3 kids. Just like them!

 Shelby got this rhino plus a wood carved pen of a woman. Don't have pictures of the other's gifts but they sure were cool! Thank you Landon!!!

You can imagine my love for these beautiful nativities! It was really sweet how he gave me my set. He replaced my nativity with this new one, in the bottom picture, and I was so excited when I noticed it! Thrilled!!!

NEW YEARS DAY: We went bowling at Bountiful Bowl and had a great time. Landon won on our lane and Cam and Sam each won one on the other lane.