The major reason for going to Utah for our extended vacation was to send my parents and Tommy Boy off on their missions.
The WHOLE family.
My parent's were set apart by Elder Nelson and he generously invited the entire family (kiddos included) to the setting apart. Although it was a little stressful to try and get three (recently puking) kiddos ready and reverent it was an awesome experience.
Our little family.
Crazy that when my parents return they'll be 10, 7 and 4. As I was packing Matts bag to leave their house for the last time I had a moment of nostalgia as I packed his football cleats next to his 'special' blanket. Sometimes "I never have to do this again" isn't all rosy.
The last father's/grandfather's blessings with President and Sister Newell :)
Thomas' first trip to the temple. It was a wonderful experience to have all my siblings together in the celestial room. We hope to replicate it in August 2013 when Thomas returns from his mission to Paris France and we have our reunion in the Stockholm temple.
It has been a bittersweet whirlwind. I'm incredibly close to my family and to have a mass exodus occur has definitely been unsettling. I am so very proud of Thomas and his decision to leave this summer on his mission to Paris. But, can you honestly call a missionary "baby brother"? I am also so proud of my parents for accepting the call serve in Sweden. It hasn't been easy but they are teaching me, once again through their example, that you do whatever the Lord asks.
