He's Home!

 It's been less than a week since Breck returned home from a Mission to Rosario, Argentina. This is the first picture of Breck in the states (Atlanta airport) after being gone for two years!

 I was so excited, I just wanted to jump for joy!

 

  It was so nice to give Breck a great big hug again!

 And I've really missed his nice smile!

It was then Merinda's turn for a big ol' hug, 

 

  and then Brad's turn.

 Breck shaking hands with "a nice guy from Kentucky".

 Getting his luggage,

walking through the Lexington airport,

 and loading it up.

 (It's the little things we appreciate when they've been gone for so long!)

 I think Merinda's missed sharing the back seat with Breck!

 Things you appreciate more after living in Argentina for two years: Good smelling homes,

light switches,

 big-screen TV's (that used to not seem so big),

 carpet and smooth, clean walls,

 good speakers,

 dual computer monitors, 

 large closets (Merinda's closet that actually isn't large by U.S. standards),

balconies, fresh air, and green grass (apparently there is very little grass in Argentina, just a lot of dirt, according to Breck),  

American crackers,

American trail mix, peanut butter, and milk that comes in a jug! 

 Breck then began to empty his book-bag which contained the essentials: planner, dictionary, scriptures, books in Spanish, wallet, passport, and about ten missionary tags.

  Next, Breck opened a box full of his favorite Argentinian snacks and drinks.

 Pepa's that are eaten in the morning, most often with a cup of Mate.

 More Pepa's and Alfahores which are little cakes that look like Moon Pies. They come in all varieties and flavors. 

Breck's other favorite thing, Dulce de leche!

 Breck's collection of  Alfahores and different kinds of Mate.

 Breck explaining the different kinds of Mate.

 Collection of Mate cups,

 and his very own "special" Mate cup.

 Silver Mate straws that filter out the weeds and such (it seems that Mate is definitely an acquired taste!).

 Special Mate cup for Brad,

 Merinda, and even one for me (that was made out of a gourd).

 Breck then pulled out special gift for all of us.

 

 A nice leather belt,

 Argentinian jersey and socks,

 and leather business card holder for Brad.

A hand-made owl from one of the members,

Argentinian's version of pink sauce (I'm kind of obsessed with pink sauce!), 

 and the coolest leather scripture case ever for me!!!

 It had my favorite Book of Mormon prophet and scripture, favorite picture of Christ, and family coat of arms.

 Breck also had one made for his own triple combination.

 It just melted my heart when I saw that Breck had saved all the post-it notes I had sent him throughout the mission (usually attached to typed letters, talks, etc.).

 Merinda received a nice sign but wouldn't let me see what it said.

 So, when she wasn't looking, I took a picture. Maybe not so appreciated by Merinda, but I sure liked it, and think I can put it to good use!!

 Breck also got us all bracelets with our names on them, and a three-generation heart necklace for me.

He then pulled out some nice hand-made gifts from members and friends:

 

like this carved Manwaring sign with the Argentinian flag,

 and an antique plaque of Native Argentinians. 

 Breck, trying to think of who would appreciate this beautifully hand-made leather purse, as much as he does. 

 But no worries, he is just as enamored with this awesome sling-shot. 

 Breck then showed us some of the new clothes he brought home, like a super warm hand-made scarf,

 cool sweat-bottoms,

 a Vanes t-shirt he received from a member who was very poor,

 and several fake name-brand hoodies and jackets (which apparently is all they sell there). 

 Breck also brought home a bunch of Argentinian collector coins and bills, to add to his coin collection.

 

 My dining and living room haven't been full of this much stuff since we moved into this house!

(Now that Breck's been home for five days, I finally have my living space back, however, all the stuff has now been relocated to Breck's room,

 and bleeding into Brad's office. Hopefully, we can find a place for all of it soon--my vote is the garbage or Goodwill. But, I know after going without for so long, it might take Breck a little time to get rid of all the stuff he just doesn't need anymore!) 

 After our little Argentina show-and-tell, it was time to meet the Stake President at the church for Breck's official release as a full-time Missionary. 

 Pres. Jenkins and Breck talked about old times when Pres. Jenkins was Breck's eleven -year-old scout leader.

 

 Breck then reported on some highlights, and periods of growth, during his mission. He concluded by bearing his testimony of Jesus Christ in English and Spanish.

 

 Good old Breck!

 

 We then asked Breck where he would like to go out to eat for lunch, and he could choose ANY place in Georgetown or Lexington. Of all places, he wanted to go to "a little Mexican dive". So we went to our favorite Mexican restaurant in town (which just happens to be a dive) Mi Casita. We thought it was a strange choice, but apparently Argentinian food is more European, and Breck said he didn't want to eat any more pizza (is he really related to Aubrey?) or pasta for a long time. And he also got his feel of red meat, since there was a lot of it in Argentina. 

That evening Breck enjoyed visiting, and speaking a little espanol, with the Holts! 

He especially had a great time catching up with his good friend Wesley via Skype (who is currently attending BYU).   

I know it will take Breck a little while to get acclimated back into life in the U.S., but I have sure enjoyed having my boy home again these past few days, and have even enjoyed the noise and high energy that's been absent from this house for two years. It makes me sad when I think about him leaving again so soon for BYU-I in January, so I am just going to hang onto every moment we have together now, and help him get ready for the next phase of his adult life.