Wednesday, 23 March
The flight home was nearly uneventful. We flew from London, to Detroit and then on to Phoenix. While clearing customs in Detroit, we were asked, “Are you bringing any tobacco or liquor?” Then the agent looked at our name tags, and said, “I suppose the answer would be NO!”
We were just 50 minutes late leaving Detroit. (Pilots were late from their connecting flight).
It wasn’t hard finding our family in Phoenix!
Braxton Allen couldn’t wait to hug his Grandma. (I think the feeling was mutual).
The grandkids queued up to see Grandpa.
Gerry had a wonderful surprise awaiting her. Her son Lee Allen and his wife Rachel are expecting a baby girl in June. They really know how to keep a secret!
Upon seeing Rachel, people in Tucson reported hearing Gerry’s enthusiastic yell! This will be their third, and our 10th grandchild.
Jim’s son and daughter – Chris & Jacque + their children
Words escape me! It’s Maddie Price (Chris’ youngest) and Bryson Allen (Lee’s youngest).
Gerry, Tyson and Maddie
Hey, anyone hungry? Grandpa is Buyin’. Yes sir, all accepted, and we all went to dinner at Joe’s Barbeque in Gilbert. Then, we rushed to meet with our Stake President, President Heyman, at 9:00 PM. There, in his home, we were released.
When we finally hit the hay, we had been awake for 26 hours.
Friday, 25 March
It’s high time that Gerry paid a visit to her mom in Pima, Arizona, in the Gila Valley. She’s 89! We also attended the Gila Valley Temple (it was dedicated while we were in London). It is a very busy and beautiful temple. The Temple President, Keith Crockett, Gerry’s former Stake President, gave us a wonderful tour. The Gila Valley was settled by Mormon pioneers in 1879, and they now raise cotton, alfalfa, barley, and cattle. I realized that I wasn’t in London anymore at the temple. There, I heard men talk about farm equipment and fertilizing techniques.
Sunday, 27 March
Gerry and I talked in Sacrament meeting. Lots of family and friends were there, including Mike and Kella Scott, with whom we had served in the London Family History Centre. After the meeting, we quietly removed our missionary badges for the last time.
Gerry has a calling, and will be sustained on 10 April. The Bishop would like to give me a calling, but the Stake has dibs on me. They are being very kind, waiting for me to take care of our affairs.
Friday, 1 April
It’s been nine days since we returned to Arizona. We’re whittling away on the long list of things to do. Our airplane is receiving it’s annual inspection and she will be ready to fly on Monday, 4 April. Now I just need to have a flight review with an instructor. Hopefully, I will be able to figure out all those gauges and instruments.
We’re looking forward to watching all four sessions of General Conference this weekend – live!
