Living with an RM: Day One

Yesterday was the day that we picked up Tanner from the airport. Newly returned missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We were of course excited. I had spent hours previous making a crafty little banner that said "welcome home". We stood there with all the other families who couldn't wait to greet their long lost family members. Our stomach's impatiently received Starbucks (hot chocolate of course) while we stared at the top of the escalators hoping to catch a glimpse. We watched hundreds of people who were not Tanner come down those escalators...until finally there he was. Returned with honor!

I don't think we know exactly just how much our lives will change...or exactly just how weird Tanner will be. I don't think we realize just how much slacking our family has been doing, but now that Tan Man is back, we for sure won't be doing much of that anymore. Since he's been home, we have already   read the scriptures twice, and said four prayers...as a family. That's kinda a big deal.

This morning (although the night previous, i had explicitly explained that i wouldn't be getting up at seven a.m. to have scripture study. I informed them that i would be sleeping.) Tanner snatched me from my bed like a kidnapper, gently placed me on my green, fancy D.I. chair, and kindly covered me in a blanket...all so i would be apart of "way too early family scripture study". Now its 8:00 and i still can't get back to sleep. Unfortunately i don't know if I'm angry or not. I mean, really, its Tanner.

Mom is just the most entertained woman on the planet right now. She has someone else to occupy her time. FINALLY. The scale is balanced now. She just stares at him, with a little smile on her face, then drifts her gaze to every other child and smothers us in her love. I think my mom is a little bit of a ridiculous person...she is dramatic, overly passionate, too sensitive and emotional, and she's CHEESY. And for some reason, we love her anyway. We are a little giddy band of misfits, as Stephen would say. (he's glad to have an increase in testosterone around here) Madi, on the other hand, is enjoying all the homework help Tanner loves to provide. Tanner makes up for my slack in the family...lets just be honest here. But it works for us i suppose.

Tanner doesn't seem that different....he's hidden the RM warning signs pretty well. He's always been this spiritual, i feel like he is just a polished version of himself...and he is nicer, and a little more patient. but still slightly awkward, and gloriously handsome, Tanner. We're glad to have him back:) i think...