Tobi Meets His Soccer Teammates

We were graciously invited to a family cookout with the varsity soccer team so Tobi could meet everyone that he will be teammates with this season.  Since Tobi has only been in school for a week, he hasn't really had a chance to get to know any of these boys.  I'm really happy we were able to attend, the boys had so much fun swimming, canoeing, and just being boys!

Tobi Visits Tom's Work

Today I drove the kids to Moline to visit The Dispatch building where Tom works. Tobi was introduced to all of Tom's co-workers, and was given a tour of the facility.

Our Exchange Student Arrives From Germany

We have been so excited to have a new member of our family arrive for months, and today is the day!  Tobi arrived from Germany at the Quad City Airport after a very long day of flying.  We arrived at the airport early, and all of us were so anxious to meet Tobi!  We have only seen pictures and chatted on Facebook a few times. 

I made this poster for us to hold up at the airport a few days before, and Skylar was really wanting to hold it when he walked in.  This picture was taken about 15 minutes before we watched his plane land in the observation area.  There were other local families there waiting to pick up their exchange students as well.  We felt proud of our sign because another family ran to the store to buy poster board and make their own sign!

As time got closer to his arrival, we waited around the greeting area, and eyed every single body we could see in the distance to see if it was him.  I know that all of our hearts were racing to meet our new friend!

I held up my phone and recorded the event of when we first saw Tobi.  It was a mixture of excitement, nervousness, awkwardness, and happiness.  We all hugged and said hello, and walked to collect his baggage.  Small talk started while we waited, and I could tell that he was probably tired from such a long day.  When we left the airport, the three kids sat in the back of the Jeep and we asked Tobi about his trip to America, what his favorite foods are, if he was hungry, and if he was tired.  It was hard to believe at that moment he was going to be a major part of our lives forever.  I'm really looking forward to getting to know this young man and introduce him to all of our friends and family!  Below is the video I took when he arrived at the airport: