School Lunch With Bryson

Bryson asked us to join him for lunch at school when we got home from our mission, and today was the fulfillment of that promise. We checked in at the front desk of the Manila Elementary School and walked down the hall to the area Bryson would line up for lunch with his class. He saw us from a distance and broke ranks to run past his teacher and right into our waiting arms. He wa sooo excited to see us in his school and share some time with him. We told him to lead us to the lunch line and pick the best lunch for all of us. Bryson picked the Mozzarella bread sticks with marinara dipping sauce. We added milk, salad, vegetables and a bag of sliced apples.

What a treat to be introduced to Bryson's friends as his grandma and grandpa. While we were eating McKay came into the lunch room. Bryson yelled across the room to get McKay's attention. When McKay saw all of us he broke out of his group of friends and ran over to talk with us. It was great to be with the boys and feel of their love. We asked Bryson if he wanted to leave lunch and go out to play football with his friends, but he said, "They're my friends, but you are family! I'll stay with you!" We talked for a while until grandma was finished with her salad and then joined McKay and the other children on the play ground. We posed for a couple of pictures and then let Bryson run to join his friends in their regular after-lunch football game.

It was a great experience for all of us. Thanks Bryson, for the lunch invitation and all the love you shared with us today.

 The lunch line. It was hard for Bryson to focus on food when grandma was right there with him.

 We got a quick picture and ate a quick school lunch. We heard the children telling each other the usual elementary school jokes. As much as things have changed, the elementary school sense of humor still remains the same. don't you love it!

 Hey McKay, let me get a quick picture. Thanks for leaving friends to run over to greet us!

 Bryson and Grandma said good-bye on the playground.

A few words from the coach and Bryson was off to join his friends in their football game.

We left school and stopped by to see Jana and pick-up Brady. Grandma and Brady had plans to make cookies and do a little Christmas tree decorating together this afternoon.

 Brady was enjoying the fruits of his labors with Grandma... a chocolate chip molasses cookie.

Hey guys, remember Mom's great molasses cookies. I'm going into the kitchen and snatch a cookie for you. It's beginning to look, smell and taste like Christmas around here. Merry Christmas!