And He's Off!!

Kyle was set apart on Saturday evening.  Drew's parents were able to come.  It was a wonderful experience.  We came home and took our very last family pictures where all of the children would be home.  The next time we will all be together won't be until Jacob returns home from his mission.  By then I'm sure we will have added spouses and maybe grandchildren to the group.  Kyle gave his farewell address in the single's branch.  We all drove up there to hear him.  His testimony has increased immensely.  He is ready to teach others and bear testimony.  What a wonderful parenting payday!!

Then.......it was time to pack.
It was an amazing process.  Kyle packed, unpacked, repacked, decided he needed more luggage, repacked again, shoved, rearranged, sat on luggage to close it, removed a few items, and it was all over the family room for two days.



Monday we spent the day visiting the beach (not in the water though!!) and hanging out with Kyle.  He packed the last few items.  We had our last family home evening with him here.  And as he always does, my sweet husband took time to give Kyle a blessing.  It was a bitter-sweet evening.

The Seminary class intended to fork our lawn the night before Kyle left.  It was raining, so they forked the flower bed instead! Here are a few of our favorite signs: Richard is Kyle's best friend!! And Sister Craig is the seminary teacher. What would the youth do without such fabulous seminary teachers??

Kyle boarded the plane @ 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning.  We haven't heard from him, but my understanding is that that is normal.  We look forward to hearing from our missionary and figuring out when P (Preparation) day is so we can look for our letters.  He has become a permanent part of our family prayers, night and morning, and for all of our meals.   We love you!!  We are proud of you!!!  We are praying for you!!!

New News:  We have heard from Kyle.  He is there and safe.  He says our letter is in the mail when we will know more. 

As a side note, Joshua (Kyle's younger brother) keeps asking if we will get on the computer and find out where he is going to serve his mission........Sweet!!