Happy New Year!

The first day of 2015 and we have our missionary home!  He was up early to read his scriptures, write in his journal and do his exercises.  He also wrote in his planner what we would be doing today.  After a waffle breakfast with all 8 of us,

Elder Jerman opened his suitcases to show us his treasures.

 A skarf from Austria,

 lots of chocolate,

A beautiful nativity,

 and wind spinner.

 Zac loves his new soccer shirt

 Jason found a cuckoo clock just like the one I bought 30 years ago!

 Since he wasn't released until later in the afternoon, we had the local Elders and Sister Missionaries over for lunch.

At 3:30, Pres. Ivins came to our home to hear some of his experiences and feelings.  Then Elder Jerman was asked to take off his missionary name tag and was officially released and a full time messenger of the Lord.  

 "Thou Good and Faithful Servant."

 After his release, he opened his Christmas gifts.

 Then we went to Granny and Granddad's for Christmas dinner and a visit with some cousins.  Especially fun for Jason and Adam Turville to talk about the mission they both served in and all the familiar places and people they both knew.

The following day, Brett and Jason went to the temple with us and then we treated the kids to their first trip to Tepanyaki - complete with fire, spinning knives, a volcano onion, and shrimp flipped into our mouths!