they're off!

These three are now all down at the MTC together. Julia left June 15 and my parents headed down there today. My Dad just called me to check in and told me they saw Julia in her b-ball shorts heading across the street to go to gym time when they pulled up. Sounds like they were pretty excited to see each other.

Preparing for their departures has been hard on my heart. My parents aren't technically gone (they'll be back for Sunday dinner prior to flying off to Guam Monday afternoon) but just the thought of it always looming in the future has been killer these past few months. I am glad Julia's mission has already begun and that my parents soon will. If there's one thing I've learned in life it's that you WILL get used to change, no matter how much you dislike it. and it will be ok. Truly, they could not be doing anything better with their time and I know it's a huge sacrifice for all of them. I can't wait to hear about all their adventures in the next few months.

Yesterday we were able to go see my dad get set apart as the mission president and my mom as his companion for the Micronesia, Guam mission by Elder Perry.

I'm a big doofus and left my memory card in my computer but thank goodness for Megan's iphone. It was pretty neat to just walk around the Church Administration Building in the presence of all these men I admire so much. I passed Pres. Uchtdorf in the hallway and we saw Elder Oaks as we got off the elevator. Elder Perry is such a good and kind man. He spent quite a bit of time in the islands of Micronesia during WWII and had a lot of cool experiences to share. Nearing the end of our time with him he asked if my parents had any questions. My mom looked back at me then back at him and then told him that she had one. I tried to stop her but she was determined. She asked if she could come back to SLC when I had my baby. All of us held our breath but he said yes! I'm not sure if it will all pan out, but the thought of having my mom here when my baby comes puts me at so much ease. If dreams come true she'll be here with me August 5, or whenever this little girl decides to enter the world.

There have been quite a few family festivities during the course of all these events, including weddings and parties. Charlotte and my aunt Alison arrived early in the week with their boys for the farewell so we were able to spend some time with them.

The whole clan watching the NBA finals at the Courtyard Marriott.

Lincoln doing some wild dancing. It was so funny watching him mimic Alison's boys.

This is a random picture I took of Lincoln after he woke up from a LONG nap. He doesn't look very well rested. Love this boy!


We had a wonderful baby shower with the Mecham girls while everyone was here which my dearest sister-in-law, Megan, arranged. It was so much fun and we ate SO much good food! I loved it! Unfortunately Charlotte has all of the pictures from that event, so I'll have to steal them from her. My parents and Juila's farewell was really nice and it was fun to spend time with family and friends. The day after Julia went into the MTC my cousin Leslie got married. We had such a good time at her reception. Here are a few shots of the day and the reception that night.

Leslie and Dano outside the temple.

Mom with snoozing Baby Bennett.

Cool Gramps and Grams





The love bird's first dance
Lincoln let nothing stop him on the dance floor. Good thing the cousins love to dance!

Grams and cute Sam

It had been pretty blustery during dinner at the reception but cleared up just in time for dancing. The clouds in the sky made for such a cool sunset.

It was so fun to be with everyone and I was grateful for some partying to lift my spirits after Julia left. We have such a fun family!