Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Sending Daniel Off!

So Wednesday, the 25th of June, finally came. We had waited 41/2 months for this day that seemed so far away, and yet here it was. We started out the day packing, because Daniel had so many visitors the night before, we didn't get it done. It's really hard to fit 2 years of stuff into 2 suitcases. I'm sure when he leaves for Mexico, we'll have to pay that heafty fine for having suitcases that weigh to much. After he was already to go, David gave Daniel a very beautiful blessing and then we had a close family prayer. This is when I started to cry.



We all piled into the truck and headed out, but not before stopping at the Maveric for one last "real Coke".










Daniel couldn't be dropped off at the MTC because it happened to be new Mission Presidents training, so we had to go to a nearby church where they had tents set up for the luggage and nametags. We dropped off his luggage first and then got his nametag (which he couldn't read). It seemed really offical then. He looked like a real missionary.




After he had his name tag on we headed into the church with his sisters clinging to him and his mom savoring every last moment.











Inside was the usual meeting where they sing Called to Serve, and then they show a video of life in the MTC. I'm still crying, only harder now. They tell me that I'm handing my son over to the Lord now and that he will be in very good hands. I believe them, and I'm very proud to there with him, but by the end, we were all crying,(even Dave) and it was so hard to say good by for 2 years. Daniel cried alittle and told everyone he loved them and then he wiped his tears, held his head up high, and headed out the side door. I can still see him walking through that door and then disappering. I am grateful that he decided to go and I know we will be blessed because of this and I'm also grateful that I'm not sending him to Iraq. I can't imagine how all the mothers and wife's do that. I'm sure with time I won't miss him as much I can't wait to hear of his experiences and adventures. And as life goes, I'm sure these two years will go by quickly and he'll be back a better and stronger man because of it. You are in our prayers and thoughts always and we can't wait to see you in 2 years.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Powell Vacation

Well, we went to Lake Powell this summer (as we do every summer) and had a great time. It was hot, like about 100 degrees, but the water was around 72, which was very refreshing and almost alittle cool. The weather stayed nice the whole time and so we were able to do whatever we wanted. We would wakeboard in the morning, then find some shade in the afternoon, eat lunch and take a nap. After that we would cliff jump and if the water was still nice, we would board again. Around 7 or so we would head in to camp. Haili's birthday was the 18th while we were there so Dave make steak and duchoven potatoes, which is her favorite, and then he made brownies in the duchoven. We didn't have candles and so he put matches in the brownines and lit them with his torch. They were yummy. Boating has been our family's favorite pasttime the last 10 years and our kids have gotten pretty good at the water sports. This was a fun trip and we are glad that Daniels departure date was late enough to get a trip in this year. We hope to go again in August, but it will be weird with just the three girls. (that is if gas comes down alittle). Anyway, here are some of our fun pictures that we took. This is Kylee, Daniels very good friend. They have known each other for 15 years. She has come with us the past few years and it's been a riot having her.

Daniel jumping from that highest point you can see. My three older kids scare me when they jump.Daredevil Kate.
Haili is insane when it comes to jumping.
Alise jumping higher than last year.
Dave getting ready to crash.



Daniel catching some pretty good air!


Kate clearing the wake!
Haili jumping the wake.
Alise begging us to not make her wakeboard.
Didn't work!!! And she got up.Cool reflection.









Fun times, the water was so nice and glassy, it was a great way to spend time together before we are split for two years. Memories that will last a lifetime.