Farewell

Now it is real. 

When Bryson opened his mission call back in the beginning of September, it seemed like we had a long time before he actually reported to the MTC and almost unreal that he was actually leaving. With his farewell today, it is now very real.

We took some pictures before leaving for the church. It seems like I can't stop taking pictures of him these days. :) 

He has spent the last 2 months writing his talk for today and he did an amazing job. He did not look nervous or have to use his notes very much. He spoke from the heart and bore a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ. He is ready to give two years of his life serving the Lord and teaching others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are very proud of his efforts to get himself to this point.

Afterwards, we had about 75-80 people come over to our house for lunch and to show him support. It was literally standing room only and we were very grateful for every single person there who was willing to show their love for him by coming. Of course, I didn't take any pictures of everyone, but did manage to snap a few photos afterwards.

It was a little bit of a bittersweet day for Courtney...she's very excited for the opportunity he has to go, but is not looking forward to him being away for the next two years.

Jessica's Wedding

Brian was mission companions with John Atkinson, Jessica's dad, and Jessica's mom, Ana, was a sister missionary in their mission. I met the Atkinson's when Brian and I had been married about 3 years and we have become life-long friends. Jessica was 5 years old then and today she is a beautiful bride. 

I was so happy that Jessica's wedding date was before Bryson left on his mission so he could attend the sealing as well. He and Jessica "grew up" together and even went on a date right before she met her husband to be. :)

 Notice our resident photo bomber in the backgroud? Haha

Temple

We have been trying for awhile now to get to the temple as a family and tonight we finally made it. 

It was the first time all 5 of us have been in the temple together. We were "in line" behind a singles ward to do baptisms so we had to wait quite awhile for our turn but as I saw Nick and Hailey go down into the water and Bryson able to baptize each one of them for those that have gone on before us, it was worth every minute of the wait. 

I love the temple and I love my family. 

Sadie Hawkins Dance

Masey asked Nick to the Sadie Hawkins dance at school and it was a cowboy theme. I thought they looked super cute and Masey's mom took them down to the railroad tracks and took a few pictures as well.

Family Pictures

We haven't done family pictures in about 7 years so we thought we should do that before Bryson leaves. :)

 Nick just being Nick!

I love my family and consider them my greatest blessing!

What's Been Going On...

Nick, Bryson & Masey have been working at Cornbelly's. Nick likes it a whole lot more working with other people then cleaning offices by himself. The only problem is he signed up for every shift available so he was a little stressed with working everyday and still having tons of homework. Luckily, it was a temporary job that ended November 2nd.

 Hailey and I went to Jessica Atkinson's bridal shower. I cannot believe this little girl who I met when she was 5 1/2 years old is getting married. She'll definitely make a beautiful bride and a sweet wife!

 My brother went to the final game of the world series and even made it on TV...here's a screen shot of his daughter's Instagram post showing him. He's the one in the middle of the screen under the word "pitches".

 Bryson and I got ready to go to the temple and realized we were matching. When we got home Hailey wanted to take a picture...

 ...and then Brian wanted to photo bomb that picture. (I was obviously mid-sentence in this pictures.) :)

 I realized in looking at the pictures on my phone after our family pictures were taken that I have kids who think they're hilarious...

Hailey in the car on our way to Wheeler Farms for our pictures.

 Bryson was just being so cooperative during the pictures...

 I had to get in on the action...

 I think Nick and Hailey had their eyes closed praying that this photo shoot was almost over...and Bryson was still being very cooperative...NOT! :)

 And even Janelle got in on the action...the photographer was her brother-in-law.

Bryson did have a very cool night at the Marine Ball where he got to meet and shake hands with Elder L. Tom Perry...who was a Marine. It was really an awesome experience for him and Courtney.

...and that's what's been going on with us.