Elder Robertson Leaves, Elder Robertson Returns

The time has come for Elder Robertson to head to Manilla for the Missionary Training Center.  While Cal was cleaning out his backpack to bring on the airplane, he found a very old cheese stick from school time. 

Cal spoke during sacrament meeting and several friends came.  Here he is with his track coach, Zach Mathias. 

Cal with his other track coach, Matt Marrow

Kenny, Angelo, Cal, Keira and I think Kiera's cousin?

Jerry Wright and Cal

Felix, Cal Erik Aidukaitis and Kenny

After church we met up at the stake president's house, President Papin, so Cal could be set apart.  That was really neat.  We were able to get my parent's on a call so they could participate. Later Darrell and his family met up with us back at home.  We had a gathering Sunday evening too so people could visit with Cal before he left. 

Haley and Jessie creating bacon wrapped jalepenos. 

This might be a homemade lime rickey....or just some homemade lemonade...

Time to finalize packing!  Cal is headed straight to Manila, Philippines. 

We had an early morning as his flight left out of Charlottesville about 6:30am.  Cal packed light...just a suitcase and a backpack for two years. 

Fun that he gets to switch planes in Seoul, Korea!  He is flying all the way without a phone. So....hopefully he'll get to where he needs to be! 

Time to go! We're excited for his adventure ahead in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and look forward to talking to him every week!

Time to clean out his room so Haley can move in. He packed up most things.  Just a few random items left. 

Haley made yummy homemade churros. 

It will be a new dynamic now...getting used to just 3 kids at home.

We found this sign at the office basement. 

One night we went to Shenandoah National Park for dinner and to hang out.  It was really nice.  We enjoy going to the South River Picnic Area. 

Our new normal...myself and Lee with the 3 kids.  Pretty weird!

Sometime that week we did an early morning hike up Bear Fence to see the sunrise.  Had to get chocolate milk for the occasion.  Shanna and Elden slept at home. 

So pretty!

Lee also started tiling the shower!  It's taking a lot of mental energy, but is looking great!

Snuck in a trip to Sherando Lake as well.  Always fun to hang out with friends. 

The accent for the shower tile job.  We picked out everything really fast, but I am sure it will all look great together!

Awesome progress!

Haley made some more yumminess and baked up a margherita pizza. 

Elden borrowed the riding lawn mower from the office and mowed the personal residence yard. 

One Elder left Monday and the other Elder arrived home Saturday at 1am!  Clark's plane was delayed once or twice, but he made it to Dulles and we found the correct door that he was supposed to exit through. 

Grabbing luggage and then heading home.  Everything made it back from Japan!  We're so excited to have Elder Robertson with us! 

We'll be home a week and then will head back to Japan again!

Beautiful treasures Clark brought back from Japan. 

Some moola too.  10,000 yen is about $67.00. 5,000 yen is about $33.50. So a little chunk of money here.  I actually took this money for us to use in Japan and then transferred to Clark the US dollar exchange rate I found online.  

Saturday morning, Clark was released, then we went to the temple in DC. 

Haley made us chicken and alfredo!  What a yummy week of Haley cooking!

Cal received a couple more graduation cards and money after he went to the MTC.  Oh and Cal arrived! He got there just fine! 

Lee enjoyed a ride to church. 

Clark spoke in church Sunday.  It was great seeing some of his friends.  A couple stayed for Elder's Quorum too. 

Another celebration! We invited people again to meet at the office basement to chat with Clark and visit and eat treats.

Daniel, Clark, Jacob, (Max poking his head through) and Jordan.  It was great to be with so many family and friends this whole past week. 

And....not sure what this is, ha!