Homecomings and farewells

This week marked some big family moves for us.

First, this guy is now home:

(Great) Grandpa Stan hanging out with Zoë in the care center before his return.

Josh's grandpa has actually been home for a couple weeks now, but this week is the first time he really seemed like himself--walking short distances without a walker and just generally seeming in good health. He's still got a lot of strength to gain back, but he's bounced back amazingly well. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

Next, Josh's cousin (more like a sister) Caidy is now at the MTC and will soon be on her way to Orlando, Florida on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It hasn't really hit us that we won't see her for another 18 months, but we know she'll do great. And we're all planning on a cruise in the Bahamas when we go to pick her up.

Grandma MaryJane with Zoë, Caidy, and niece Abbi.

Cousins love cousins. Caidy, her brother Mike, and Josh.

Much of Josh's family at Caidy's farewell.

Finally, my sister, Diana, and her husband, Jon, moved to San Francisco yesterday, where Jon is going to attend dental school and Diana is going to get a job as a nurse (she just passed her test!). This is the first time that anyone in my immediate family has lived in a different state from the rest of us (or a different city, for that matter). We've lived other places together--the Bay Area being one of them--but never apart. I miss them already. Luckily, we're going out to visit in just a couple weeks.

Diana participating in her favorite Zoë activity.

Jon (and triplet Rick) at Jon and Diana's going-away party.

It is good to say welcome home and hard to say good-bye, but all of these moves have been for the best.