EDIT: Thank you for the responses. I agree with what a few of you stated to just keep it simple at the airport with flowers and a bottle of bubbly. Thanks, again.

Original post:

In a little under a month, one of my adult children will be coming home from almost a year abroad on a Fulbright scholarship. I can't erase the smile from my face with the thought of seeing her and hugging her again, as well as the idea of welcoming her with a bouquet of flowers, and a bottle of Champagne. I only wish the scene could be in Utah.

What other fun things can I do? What would you do at the airport?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/25/2016 06:10PM by toto.

1. Ask her what she'd like - who she'd like to see, or what she'd like to do. Perhaps she needs a little time to decompress from the life she's lived for the past year,

or

2. Ask her about her life abroad as well as her experiences and impressions. I'm sure she has a lot of stories to tell,

or both.

Thank you.

Yes, fortunately we've discussed those things through Skype conversations as well as Whatsapp texts (not sure if current missionaries have as much access to their family as she's had to us). She's definitely going to decompress when she gets back, and we've made plans around her requests.

I was just wondering if there are other things I could consider doing at the airport.

That's wonderful. Congratulations to her on her achievement and you for being a supportive parent!

Yeah, if it were in Utah, you could mimic the "Welcome Home Elder" airport ritual. You could have Champagne and a banner that says, "Welcome Home Wiser!" (Of course the Mormon's wouldn't get it.)


Hmmmm. If it were my child, I think I would give her some cash to make sure she can get what she needs to transition home, a fluffy bed (in case she doesn't have her house set up), and out to dinner with family for a few days!

She will be happy to see you too!

Yeah, it's the first time in a long time that I wish I could be in Utah to mimic some of that stuff.

Cash sounds good. Definitely planning on it. Thank you.

All the things you could do are going to pale in comparison to just her seeing your face.

The bouquet of flowers and the bottle of champagne are class. I would keep it simple.

Good one. Yes, I'll keep it simple.

In 'n Out double double on the way home?

Now I'm wondering how one (or two) would go with champagne...

Yes, you're right! She's been craving greasy American food. I'll take her to Park Burger or Larkburger right away.

How lovely that your daughter is returning! Perhaps she would enjoy her favorite meal for supper. When she settles in, perhaps give her some suggestions for things to do as a family in the coming days and weeks -- perhaps a baseball game, a picnic, an outing, or a trip to a local lake or beach.

Thank you. Yes, we've already discussed major plans for the weeks following her arrival, and also time to get over jet lag and relax. I'll definitely be making her favorite meals.