Taking Sean to the MTC

This week has been a very bitter/sweet one. We left Monday morning for Utah to take Sean up to the MTC. He has been called to the Sacramento, California Mission speaking Laotian. He will be in Utah for a couple of months learning the language before he goes to California.
Tuesday morning we had to find another suit for Sean. We went to a store called Missionary Mall. It was just what we needed. He got a very nice black suit and some wonderfully comfortable shoes. He also found a perfect backpack. After shopping, we changed and loaded into the car for a trip to the Salt Lake Temple. It was so wonderful being in the Temple with the boys again. After the session, we sat in the Temple and just enjoyed the spirit there. While we were on Temple Square, we took a tour of the Conference Center. The boys hadn't ever seen it. It is an amazing building. The evening ended with a wonderful dinner at Olive Garden and then a quick trip to Walmart for some last minute shopping. Wednesday morning was a little sober. We were all both excited for Sean and also very emotional about our separation. It happens so fast. We drove into the parking lot where we were told to go. As we pull up to the curve where we were directed, we all got out, got his luggage out and had only enough time to give him a final hug. They whisked him right off. All of us were left with tears. I am so proud of Sean and his desire to serve the Lord. I am going to miss him something terrible but there is no other place I want him to be. We have Alec home for a few more weeks and then we will make this trip again.
Best friends

Leaving home for two years.

At the hotel the last night we were there.

Sitting on the Salt Lake City Temple grounds.

The east door of the Salt Lake Temple

On Tuesday afternoon, we drove to Salt Lake City and we went through a session in the Salt Lake Temple. The boys have always wanted to go inside that temple. It was a very special experience for all of us. Sean said it helped to feel less nervous about going on his mission.

We ate lunch just before we took him to the MTC.

About 15 minutes before Sean was dropped off.

Sean's Farewell was last Sunday and I was so busy, I didn't take any pictures. We really enjoyed having Kirk and Kathi come from Mesa and Fred and Robyn, Anthony and Amy and their girls, Mimi and Dan and their girls come from Phoenix. Thank you so much for coming.