Tall, Dark, and Handsome

Last weekend we had the treat of welcoming Birch's littlest, BIG brother home from his mission. Andrew (a.k.a. Juje) just returned home from serving a two year mission for our church in Leon, Mexico. How does he look?? Tall, Dark, and Handsome!

The kids were so excited to see Uncle Juje again! Coop wasn't even sure who he was but he just knew he was going to love him. He has been drawing him occasional pictures for two years so he was anxious to meet this "Uncle Juje."
Try taming 22 kids under the age eleven for a group family photo shoot. Wow!!!
We've waited for two years to take a complete family picture. I can't believe how big and fast our family has grown.
Here are the original Dittos. I bet their daddy was smiling big from heaven as he looked down at this gorgeous bunch!
We packed the weekend full of fun times. One afternoon we went to the bounce house to let the kids run some of their energy out. They had a great time!
Another afternoon we enjoyed a sunny picnic at the park. It didn't take long until a game of volleyball was organized.
These cousin girls could spend every second together and not tire of each other. They came up with games to play all afternoon.
Uncle Juje thoughtfully managed to bring home a little souvenir for each person in the family (no wonder he didn't have room to bring home his shoes). For the nephews he brought authentic Mexican wrestling masks. The boys were in wrestling heaven!
The other highlight of the weekend was spending some more time with Birch's little sister's lover--Ryan. These two are just as twitterpated as can be and are so much fun to be around. They ooze with loveliness and are still alert enough to be very entertaining with the nieces and nephews. Ryan squeaked his way into the Ditto Family picture so....well, we're awaiting possible news??

We just love being together!!!