Mission... Joys?

The clock was ticking away. January 6--coming way too fast. And goodbye's? The tough part of the mission. Brinley and Cameron enjoying some of the last minutes together.

Early morning January 6th. We were thinking the MTC in Provo was a rough ride! Here we are minutes away from watching Cameron go through the gate...alone. It was then we wondered where were all the missionaries and parents lining a room of excited 19-year-olds? So they go out one door, and we go out the other. WAY easier than sending them to who knows where...did I say ALONE? ALONE!!

We lined Cameron up like Ronald McDonald and everyone got a chance to get their picture taken with him. Here's Kyle, Becky, Kennady, Jaxson, and Hallee by, of course, Elder Field.

Cassie holding Mailee, Addison, and Livie just enjoying the moment.

Jake and Becky with Adam, Lexy, and Jayda...and... it's a bird, it's a plane, no it's Addison!

(sniff, sniff) Briant and Stephanie at the bottom of the escalator saying goodbye. We all rode up, hugged him one last time and watched him walk away. Oh yeah... painful. But, he'll be a great missionary and we'll be here in 2 years to line him up again and take the same pictures--our smiles will just be a little brighter then.

Christmas

'Twas a beautiful Christmas Morning and all through the house were the "big kids" getting up but not quiet as a mouse. What's that? It looks like Cam got a....could it be? A white shirt!

And Chey? Could it possibly be...tickets to "Wicked"!

New boots Cass? Love the look!
Here's Livie checking out what Santa brought her. Nothing's as much fun as kids at Christmas.
Our entire family got together for breakfast! Here's Stephanie and Aly shootin' the breeze after our stomachs had been fed. It took 3 breakfast casseroles, 2 batches of muffins, a pot of hot cocoa, and of course left over wassil, but we did it!

Uncle Bri puttin' together the scooters. Jaxson and Adam are actually holding still long enough to see how they look.

Ahhhh....a satisfied customer. Santa has to be happy about this one.

This speaks volumes. All I have to say is, "and to all a good night."

Cameron's Farewell

Sooo... I got a camera for Christmas and the kids are trying to "teach-an-old-dog-new-tricks" so I'm trying out... blogging. (If that's a word) Christmas vacation this year included Cameron's farewell. This is Cameron holding Addison with his girl friend Brinley. Cute huh?

Our family and friends are wonderful and such good sports. We had wall-to-wall people and so they all just cuddled up and had a good time. Here is Briant and Stephanie in their "spot" listening to what looks like a great story.

Just another shot to show how cozy things were. The backs and heads can be identified by me but might choose to remain anonymous therefore this is just cute little Becky (Jake's wife) and Aly listening to something they weren't sure they believed. (Looks like a couple of courtesy smiles to me.)

Cheyna and cousin Aubree (Mary Jo's youngest daughter) striking a pose for posterity. Gotta love it!

I think we might have fit someone in that spot right......there! What do you think?