There's no place like home for the holidays

Home for the holidays has a special meaning for two Rancho Murieta families this year.  Army 1st Lt. Christopher Chavez traveled from his home in Ft. Riley, Kansas, after a year-long tour of duty in Iraq to spend Christmas with parents Larry and Glenda Chavez.  Ed and Arlene Wallace welcomed the return of  their daughter, Terri, and her husband, Darwin Dick, to the community after a five-year absence. Their grandson, U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Tucker Grey, arrived home on leave from the submarine California in time for New Year's.

Parents Larry and Glenda Chavez and younger brothers Taylor and Dylan welcomed Christopher home for Christmas. 1st Lt. Chavez was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq. The community has followed the young Murietan's career. He's a West Point grad and he served in Afghanistan as well as Iraq. "This neighborhood has been so supportive of him over the years, I couldn't help but to share this with you all," his mother wrote in an email that included the family photos.

Terri and Darwin Dick returned to Rancho Murieta after living in Oklahoma, where Darwin graduated from Wesleyan University Bible College. They're here to stay, and they were greeters at the Rancho Murieta Community Church's Christmas Eve services. Terri's son, Tucker Grey, right, is home on leave from the Navy's newest submarine, the California, where he is a sonar technician.

Ed and Arlene Wallace have had a busy holiday season, welcoming daughter and son-in-law Terri and Darwin Dick in time for Christmas and now grandson Tucker Grey.