Bekkah's big brother

Tres has been gone about two weeks now, and Bekkah has started noticing. A few days ago she was wandering around the house calling "Twais". Yesterday I'd made her a bottle for nap time, then went to put her down and couldn't find it. Last night I found it in Tres' room. Today I went to put Jackson down, then got busy getting boys ready for a camp out. After a bit I noticed she wasn't in the living room. I found her cuddled up in Tres' bed. I guess she's missing her big brother. So am I Bekkah!

Happy Birthday Jack

Can you believe it? He's one! Our little caboose grew so fast this first year. We were all sick on his birthday (Tuesday) but managed to pull off a little celebration.


He loves his new toys.


(So did his big brother!)

We topped off the evening with a birthday cake...and a bath!

Tres' Goodbye

The Sunday before Tres left for Utah, he spoke in church and then we had a little get together for him to say goodbye. It was a wonderful evening with lots of food, family and friends. Thanks to all who came.

We showed this video at the farewell. (Thanks Sharla!)

The next few days were crazy busy getting last minute packing done.

Wednesday night President Jarvis came to our home and set Tres apart as a Missionary to the Curch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He gave him a beautiful blessing of safety and comfort, of success and of a love for the work he would soon begin.

Thursday afternoon Tres, Dan, Jackson and I all flew up to Salt Lake City. Grammy stayed with the other kids (thanks grammy, you're the best!) We settled in to the hotel then headed over to Market Street Restaurant for dinner. Tres had salmon and crab legs for the first time and loved it! Jack threw up on Dan and we headed back to the hotel. Since he was set apart already we didn't watch any TV but spent the evening talking about our favorite memories.

The next morning we ate breakfast at a little diner around the corner. Tres and Dan went to the store to pick up a few things, and Jackson and I went back to the hotel to get Tres' luggage. We piled into a cab and headed for his new apartment. We were able to help him up to his room and meet his new companion, Elder Squire, and another one of his roommates, Elder Savage.

All too soon it was time to say goodbye. We snapped a few pictures, and hugged one last time.

The rest of the trip we wandered around temple square. This is the view from the front door of his apartment building!

We took some tours and did a little research in the Family History Library. Even found an ordination certificate for my great great great grandpa signed by Joseph Smith. I kept my eye out for a tall skinny man in suit with a missionary tag on, but never saw him. I was sure to mention his name to every other missionary I saw there though! (hey it's a mother's duty isn't it?!)

We look forward to our first letter - although our expectations aren't real high. 19 year old boys tend not to be big writers. We've already sent him two packages though, so we're feeling pretty deserving.
I know Tres is where he is supposed to be and I know he will be blessed for his willingness to serve.
I've known this day would come for 19 years. It's harder than I thought it would be.