"The Hardest Thing I Ever Loved to Do".....The Airport Goodbye!

There is nothing easy about saying the final goodbye and watching your child walk away from you knowing they'll be gone for 2 years.  I've decided I'm terrible at goodbye's and no matter how hard I try, it's still going to be the hardest thing EVER!!  It was SO hard with Garrick and I was determined to make it a celebration the 2nd time around, but it was still the hardest thing EVER!  I am so proud of Bryan and his decision to serve the Lord and I wouldn't want him doing anything else, but my mommy heart just doesn't know how to handle saying goodbye.  It truly is the hardest thing I've ever loved to do!!!

SEE YOU IN TWO.......

Officially A Missionary

Tonight Bryan was set apart as a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  What an amazing experience for our family!!  We gathered together with the ones we love and listened as Bryan was given council & advice from the Stake Presidency and then set apart as an official missionary.  The blessing that President Eddington gave him was so beautiful and said so much about the incredible young man Bryan is.  We were all very teary and I don't think Bryan ever stopped crying from the moment he walked in until the moment he left as a missionary.  One of his best friends, Luke, was just made an Elder in preparation for leaving on his mission and was able to stand in the circle at Bryan was set apart.  Just a few days before this, Bryan was given the honor of being Luke's escort as he went through the temple for the first time.  The spirit was very strong in that room and I will never forget the sweet feelings shared between those I love most.  We wish Garrick could have been there, but he was there in spirit!

                              Bryan being Luke's escort at the Provo City Temple

Bryan's Last Words.....

Bryan posted on instagram just before he went to be set apart as a missionary.
I LOVE what he wrote......

"Tomorrow I leave my family, friends, and life as I know it to go on my greatest adventure yet.  My mission: to bring souls unto Christ and eternal happiness.  I know that what I am doing is right, for I know that The Gospel is true, and I will so testify today, tomorrow, and forever.  I love you all, and I'll see you in two years!"

Last Minute Prep and Goodbyes.....

Nothing like waiting until the last possible second to make sure Bry knows all the basics for heading out on a mission.  It wasn't until today that I showed him how to sew on a button and John taught him to iron a shirt (Yes....John's much better at this than me!), but at least we got it done.

Bry had one last get together with his squad.  These guys have been the best friends ever and they have spent SO many hours together.  Both Bry and Landon head for the MTC in the morning.  

I think he's all packed and ready to go!!! Here we go.....again!

Farewell Sunday

Bryan's farewell went SO well!!  It is always stressful planning and preparing for such a big day and huge gathering, but we got it done and everything went smoothly.  Bryan gave the most amazing farewell talk on the Book of Mormon.  At the end he bore his testimony in word and then in music.....he played the piano.  He arranged the piece he played and put so much feeling into it.  It was such a parent payday for us and we couldn't have been more proud of our son.  So many helped to make this day possible.  We could never have done it without the help of our incredible family and friends and the best ward family ever!!