The Marines have landed

MaryBeth Monson, a Marine who has been sharing our Monday Night Home Evenings, returned from Afghanistan on November 1st.

The Monson parents were able to stay at our house, and arrived October 31st. The morning of November 1st her parents, Karen and Craig, their son Thomas, and Georgia went to Michaels craft store to purchase some welcome-home items.

Georgia purchased items to make a sign. Karen wanted to buy some flowers for a bouquet. Thomas thought flowers were stupid, so he decided to make a Halloween candy bouquet. All necessary items, most of which were on special, were purchased and brought back to the Olson Inn.

Karen proceeded to make her bouquet. Thomas enlisted the help of his dad and Georgia to make his bouquet. (Did we mention that Thomas is also a Marine, stationed at MCAS Yuma?) Fortunately, Georgia had a variety of tools in her kit to help the process.

The hour arrived. We picked up Randy on our way to the base. After finding the correct hanger, we milled around for a while. When the hanger doors opened, there were the returning heroes, awaiting their welcome.

Pandemonium ensued. Thomas ran up and grabbed his sister first. MaryBeth greeted her mother and then her father with big hugs. Thomas handed over the keys to his prized car so that MaryBeth could enjoy driving it.


MaryBeth was able to stay with her parents (at our house) for a few nights before they had to return home.