ELDER RYAN LEE returns home with honor!

June 18, 2010 - What a GREAT day it was! The anticipation almost killed us all. His plane wasn't due in until 5:34 p.m. My phone was ringing all day with text messages from everyone, young and old! We were soooo excited to welcome him home. Here is the story. . .

We all gathered at the airport and waited . . .

It was so fun to watch Braxton get so excited looking at all the airplanes coming in.

Branden was so excited, he was almost ready to jump out of his skin!

Grandpa was perfectly happy playing with Merek!

The plane just landed!

Here it comes, ready to park! Hurry . . Hurry!

And then we waited . . .

and waited . . . and waited some more!

Oh no - did he decide not to get off the plane!!! Where are you!!!

There he is . . . HE IS COMING and MOM is going to wet her pants! Here comes the tears!

Scared to death and wanting to go back to England! Thats OK - It means he served his heart out!

Move aside - its tradition - MOM always gets the first hug!


OH - that hug was worth waiting two years for! I didn't want to let go!!!


Doesn't he look wonderful - Same ol Ryan!

Ryan gives Kevin a BIG hug and meets his new little nephew born in January.

Ryan hugging Jenna and Braxton. Braxton was baby Merek's age when he left!

Kyle patiently waited his turn!

Meets a new sister-in-law - Chrystal who joined our family while he was gone.

TANNER - YOU GREW TALLER! I am suppose to be the tallest brother!

Rachelle - you are as gorgeous as everyone says!

Where's my Dad - oh there he is, hiding behind the camera!

So happy, he is HOME!

All the brothers - minus Michael who is living in Kansas City for the summer! aka - Rachelle's body guards!!!

Branden's welcome home sign!

Donivan's welcome home sign!


We dropped off the little ones with a sitter and headed to dinner. Oh what fun it was to catch up!

We were so excited to have him home, however, his heart was still back in England. When I went to bed that night, I hugged him and said, "Don't worry, Ryan, it will get easier, I promise." "Hope so Mom!"
We held a "Welcome Home" open house Saturday the 19th and he speaks in church on Sunday, June 27th at 8:00 a.m.