The Missionary Training Center

 As much as I know that this is exactly what Liam needs to be doing, it's still hard to say goodbye to your little boy for 2 years.  I've been trying so hard to keep it together, but you just can't all of the time. There were so many missionaries being dropped off today.  What a wonderful thing!

Trying to hold it together

Getting my last few hugs

I LOVE Liam's face when he realizes that it's his friend, Alan Price, 

there at the curb to escort him into the MTC.

Alan happened to be the one there when we pulled up.  This was an absolute tender mercy.  It was so much easier for me to hand him over to Elder Price.  And I know it had to have been so much easier for Liam to leave his family and walk in with him.  Heavenly Father really is aware of each of us.  What a huge blessing!

One more hug

And there they go!  See you in 2 years my sweet boy.

First Morning as A Missionary

At first we thought it was going to be a long boring morning with no electronics.  Then things got hectic.  Liam opened his missionary email for the first time and saw the emails from his mission office in Virginia.  We had a few papers to get together.  Then he had one last load of laundry and gathering all of the emails he could.

Next, we stopped at Liam's 90 year old great grandma Prestwich's house.  She was sure to give him a few last pieces of advice before he left.  He's been close to her his whole life and I'm glad that they had a few minutes before he left.

Melissa and her kids came by grandma's too so they could spend some time with him.

Trevan and Liam are the 2 oldest cousins, on my side, and have been good friends. I'm glad they got to hang out for a few minutes too.  Trevan will be next!

Liam's aunt Meridyth and her family happened to be here from Kentucky and were able to meet us at Tucanos for Liam's last pre-mission meal.  I hear he'll be eating PLENTY while he's in the MTC.  Hopefully he gets his exercise in so that I don't have to send him a new wardrobe.

We took one last family picture before heading to the MTC.

Liam Is Set Apart as A Missionary

Liam was set apart as a missionary on Tuesday, June 28th. 

Stake President Hansen, President Davis, and Bishop Harper came to our house to set him apart.  

I truly appreciate them and the words that they shared with our family.  

After he was set apart, we tried to go to the MTC and get a picture with the sign. 

But the sign is GONE! What? We were trying to beat the rush of Wednesday, but apparently there's such a crowd trying to get this picture that they had to remove the sign.  Oh well.

Thanks Grandpa Rick for being so supportive of Liam and our family.  Actually, everyone in our family has been so incredibly supportive, he just happened to come and help get pictures.

So we walked over to the Provo Temple for a short time.  It's hard spending the last evening together.  I know he'll be back, but right now 2 years feels like a long time.

Liam is my buddy.

Missionary Farewell

When young men and women are called on their missions, they are asked to speak in church before they leave.  Liam was given the topic "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."  Perfect missionary farewell topic.  He did a great job.  We are so thankful that so many friends and family members were able to attend. 

Thanks everyone that brought yummy food!

We had great weather for the open house after church

Liam has an awesome group of friends.  I'm so thankful for these good kids.

Looks like some like the sun 

We even had extended family come that we don't get to see very often.

Here's the AC, Diet Coke group

And the other half of the AC, Diet Coke group

Thanks everyone for all the support. We have a great family!

Cutting The Hair

 He put it off as long as he could, but the hair had to be cut.  He looks very handsome, I think.

Provo City Center Temple

In preparation for serving a mission, Liam decided to go through the Provo City Center Temple.  We were grateful that family members were able to come and join us on this special day.  

Liam's grandpa was able to be his escort.  His grandpa has been a temple worker, in almost every position, for many years.  It was nice that he could be there to accompany Liam through this very important and special experience in his life.

What are Mormon temples used for?