We had a few days in Utah before dropping Sam off at the MTC. The Sunday that we were there they had the re-dedication of the Ogden Temple. We were able to go to it with our good friends, the Bytheways. Then we went to their house for dinner and lots of talking. It was a fabulous evening. Sam got to say goodbye to all the kids and have his "big brother" talk with the girls before leaving.
Gosh, I love that lady.
This was how John posed for the picture.
Kim, the photo bomber
The real John and Kim with Sam and Ashley
Monday, we did some shopping and then we went out to dinner with two of Richard's mission companions from the Adelaide Australia Mission in the early 90's.
Elder Lewis, Elder Alger and Elder Vuki reunited!
After dinner we stopped by to see the Bountiful Temple and right across the street we saw the TARDIS! Of course we had to get pictures. Hooray for Doctor Who!
The Bountiful Temple
Tuesday, we went to the Salt Lake Temple and did a session there. The outside of the temple is beautiful, but the inside is INCREDIBLE.
We went to The Cheese Cake Factory for dinner. Sam had never been there and was super excited. He was not disappointed.
My dinner
Sam's dinner
Richard's dinner
They were all so beautiful and delicious!
Wednesday morning was torture! Sam was dying to get to the MTC, but his check in time was not until 12:30 pm.
They said to do our farewells before going to the MTC, so we had ours before getting in the car.
Sam was done and ready to go!
This is our last few moments with our boy.
All grown up and ready to serve the Lord for 2 years.
And he's off
It felt strange as we pulled out of the MTC parking lot. We didn't get emotional, but we both felt a little queazy. Sam was so ready for this day we couldn't be anything but excited for him, but it is an uncomfortable feeling leaving your son, knowing you won't see him for 2 years. We couldn't be more proud of his decision to serve a mission.
We did a little shopping and then went to the Mount Timpanogos Temple. We hadn't ever been there before. We tried to get a selfie with the temple but didn't get anything very great.
That night Richard took me to see She Loves Me at the Salt Lake City, Hale Center Theatre. It was wonderful. The theater is in the round and has amazing sets that come down from the ceiling and up out of the floor. This is our second time to that Hale Center, it will not be our last.
Thank you so much to Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Randy for housing us. We love staying with you and visiting.
It was a bittersweet trip, but mostly sweet and wonderful.
