I Hope They Call Me on a Mission

I've decide that it's a lot easier to sing that song...and mean it...when your boys are young.  Taking Bailey to the MTC was a littler harder on Mom and Dad than we thought it would be, but we did survive!  We left early enough in the day to be able to take some time enjoying lunch together.  Bailey chose to go to the Pizza Factory where Matt and Gail and their family joined us.

After lunch, we drove up to the Provo Temple to take some photos together!

"The Original Kids"

Jessica, Bailey and Whitney

After taking some photos, Matt and Gail said goodbye to Bailey and it was time to drop him off at the MTC.  When we pulled up, we couldn't believe it, but Elder Clint Smith from our ward, was there to assist Bailey with his luggage and take him into the MTC. I've never thought of Clint being a tender mercy...but maybe he was!  It was a lot more comforting for us to send Bailey off with one of his good friends.

And...just so everyone knows...it wasn't just Mom who was a bit choked up at the MTC!

Time to Go!

Okay...so it's the middle of July!  Where has the time gone?  I can't believe that the summer's half way over...so many fun things to do and enjoy in the summer!  But, I've got to catch up on a few important events from the past couple of months.  In fact, they are more than important, they are life altering!

On Sunday, May 30th, Bailey gave his farewell talk in church.  So many wonderful friends and family members attended, offering their love and support.  Bailey gave an amazing talk (of course, his mom would think that!) and following the meeting we had a celebration in our yard.  The girls (with help from their aunts and cousins) made cupcakes...five of Bailey's favorite kinds and we served them for dessert.  Bailey chose sweet pork burritoes for lunch.  Our good friend, Steve Wood, stepped in and helped Brent warm the tortillas.  Friends and family brought everything else and it was fabulous. It was a great day!

On Tuesday, June 15th, Pres. Menlove set Bailey apart as a full time missionary.  After the setting apart, we had the "fam" over for sundaes and one last get-together before Bailey left.  It's such a great thing to look across the room and see all of the cousins hanging out and having fun together.  We're so blessed to have such a wonderful extended family!