Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Unforgettable

We made a much too short visit to WA last week to see my baby brother, Christopher, return from his mission to Aukland New Zealand. It was was a once in a lifetime experience watching him come through security and greeting him after two years. He did a fine job serving and we are so very proud of him. I'll have to post pictures of it later b/c I don't have those ones downloaded yet, but I'll work on it. The little kids made signs, we took a million pictures, had a banner and balloons. We were all a little loopy b/c it was 11 pm, but it was amazing to be there. We got so excited when it came time for him to arrive that Janae started yelling "has anyone seen a man in a suit!?!?!" It was pretty funny. We were also so grateful that my mom was strong enough to be there and stand to hug her son as he arrived. There have been times when we thought she may not make it to that day, but our Heavenly Father has blessed us beyond measure to sustain her for this unforgettable event.

We were in WA for only a few short days so I am truly sorry to my WA friends who I did not get to see. I have to say, it was a trip centered strongly around family because each moment we spend as a family is so precious and we know our time together as a COMPLETE family is too quickly slipping away. But that's another post.
To take advantage of the opportunity of having the ENTIRE family together again, we took family picutres! Jacqui Shumate and her husband Travis took beautiful pictures of our family! I have only seen 3 of them so far and I'm sad to say I don't have the link to their website yet, but once I get more of the pictures you can bet I'll be posting them with all the details of how to contact Jacqui and Travis. There are 8 grandkids now which is doubled from when Christopher left. There were so many little people he hadn't met that we labeled them at the airport :) Only in our family I guess. So here below are the pictures! This was a trip that I will NEVER forget.
The Whole Family...all 19 of us.
The Original R. Williams Family.

The eight squishy grandchildren. Blow up the picture and check out that smile on Mr. Owen.

9 comments:

Crystal and Billy said...

Great pictures, Amy! I'm glad you had a good time, and that your mom was strong enough to be there. I've been thinking about you both and wish you the best. It's a tough road, a really tough road, but you can do it. Hang in there.

Uffens Family said...

What a sweet post and I am so so so glad that the whole family was together! I bet the kids loved seeing their Uncle Chris! He is so old! I still picture him as a little boy!!!
Hard to hold back the tears seeing your beautiful courageous mom and dad. Love the pictures and can't wait to see them all!

Amy O'Neill said...

Great pictures!! Glad you guys were able to have a quick trip to see your brother and the rest of the family, especially your mom!!

lrbodine said...

Definitely treasure every moment with your family! I love that everyone was able to be there for Chris coming home. I only was home to see one of my brothers come home - but it's a fun experience! I can't believe how many grandkids are already in your family. How fun!

P.S. Now that you've settled into your new house - we should meet up at Freestone park or something soon!

Unknown said...

I visit your blog almost every day hoping for another post. Your family pictures cheer me up invariably.

Love from Robert&Ewa

Andrew, Amy, Evelyn& Owen said...

Robert & Ewa,

Thank you so much for visiting our blog! I have visited yours also and love to see pictures of your beautiful family! Andrew has told me so much about you and really has a special place in his heart for you. I'm so glad we're able to connect this way.

I have tried leaving comments on your blog before, but because I don't speak Polish, I haven't been successful yet! :) I need to have Andrew help me do it!

I look forward to continuing to hear from you and also continue to see your own family grow!

Love,
Amy

Kjerstine said...

Oh What a gorgeous family! I love the photos- here is Jaqui's site that I have... not sure if it is their main one... but they might be posted there soon? not to get hopes up...but thought I'd put it on here for you! I hope your mom continues to be strong and she is always in our families prayers!
all my love!
http://jaqshu.blogspot.com/
Kjerstine

Janelle said...

We are praying for you and your mom. What a wonderful experience--I am so glad you all got to be there together.

hillari said...

That last picture is just so precious. What a wonderful memory to have. I'm so glad your mom got to be there for this event!