Welcome Home

The other day I had a good friend, ward member and former bishop come home from Afghanistan. He'd been serving there for about a year. It was good to see him and welcome him home. He and his wife are two of my most favorite people in the world. Here are some pictures.

The house all decked out for his welcome.

Here are the people waiting to meet him.
You can kind of see the police escort coming down the road.

The escort was for his car with his wife in it. He was dropped off at the end
of the street and walked up the street greeting friends that lined the way.
Here he is coming down the road. He's shaking hands with our
current bishop, who happens to be my older brother.
Getting a warm welcome from some of his former students. He was a sixth grade
teacher for a while and had obviously made an impact on these kids.
Chatting with the crowd
Two of my favorite people together again!
Here he is hugging another one of my favorite people, my mom.
He gave my mom an American flag that was flown over where he was stationed on
November 11th, in honor of my mom and dad. He said that there was fighting that day.
I tear up even thinking about it.
The obligatory arms length picture.
Here his going to get a big welcome home hug from one of his sons.
Here they are in front of their home.
Of course I asked for a kissing shot. What's a welcome home without a big kiss??
And a hug.

Welcome home Joel! Thank you so much for being willing to go forward and serve this country. I am very grateful. It's so good to have you back home safe and sound.