The MTC

Today was the day that we sent out Allyson off on her mission.  It's one of those bittersweet events.

As a good friend said, and I'm paraphrasing, "You teach your kids to do the right things and to make the correct choices, but then when they do (like going on a mission) you miss them incredibly."

We started the day off at home, making sure that she had all that she needed and she was packed well. Cathryn (my daughter-in-law) was such a great help earlier in the week. She helped Ally to her organize her stuff and get it packed. I don't think we could have got all of her stuff in her suitcases without her help.

Once we were sure she had everything, I took a couple of pictures of her in our back yard.

Then it was time to get in the car and make the 38 mile journey to the MTC.  We met Sarah, Cathryn, Julia and Spencer at the Golden Corral in Orem for a so-so lunch.  Then we headed to the MTC and took some pictures of her with the family.

Sarah, mom, Katie, Allyson, dad

Mom and dad with Allyson

Sarah and Katie

Cathryn, Julia, and Spencer

With her little niece Julia.

Time for goodbye hugs starting with Spencer,

Cathryn,

Sarah,

Katie,

all of the sisters,

Mom,

...and finally dad.

Then she's gone...

...without a look back.

We're proud of our Allyson. Coming home I was feeling melancholy.  Happy, yet feeling a loss. It's hard saying goodbye to a daughter for 18 months. I'll miss her tremendously. I love her immensely. She's a great daughter. We're praying for her to do well and to be safe. She's going to be a great missionary!!

Waiting to go

Allyson had almost a whole summer to wait before she could leave on her mission.  She was able to spend time with family and friends, go on a couple of vacations, and prepare to leave by shopping with mom and her sisters for her mission.

Spencer and Cathryn's first daughter was born on June 16th. She's such a cutie and Ally was able to get to know her before she left.

We spend some time in Seattle in July and had a great time.  We had some great discussions in the car as you can see in this picture.

But we also had some great times visiting the sites in Washington State and Oregon.

On the ferry to Whidbey Island Washington

Deception Pass bridge

At the top of the Space Needle

EMP Museum

Space Needle

Seaside Oregon

Sisters

Multnomah Falls

We had a short excursion to Schofield Reservoir

It was a great summer!

Receiving the call...

It was Friday the 18th of April when Allyson was finally able to open her mission call and find out where she would be spending 18 months of her life serving the Lord.  She had received her call earlier in the week but she was up at Utah State University and had to wait until Friday to come home to West Jordan to open it.

Ally had told us during Christmas break that she had decided to go on a mission.  Laura and I were a little stunned.  We knew that it was a possibility that she would go, but when she actually made the decision we were a bit apprehensive.  You spend your life building up the courage to send your son on a mission.  You don't do the same thing with your daughters.

It was a great evening.  She opened her call.  Cried a little.  And shared her happiness with family and friends.

Preparing to read

Getting close to the destination

Finally found out where she's serving

Here's where she's going!!!