Goodbyes

The day came that we had been dreading...Joseph entered the MTC. I can't even imagine him being gone for two years. Vacations without him, holidays, not getting his random texts with funny movie quotes, not being able to share secrets...this is the first time our family has really been separated. I got teary eyed when he opened his mission call, cried like a baby during his farewell talk, but it wasn't til last night that it really hit me that he was leaving in the morning. The worst part was that I had classes that I couldn't miss and I wasn't  going to be able to go with my family and drop him off at the MTC. I couldn't sleep. When I woke up, I got ready, trying not to cry. I avoided his room until I was running out of time and had to go say goodbye and head to class. I lost it as soon as he wrapped his arms around me. I have the most amazing brother. I don't know anyone that treats his sisters as well as he does. Having him leave makes me realize just how blessed I am. I know he is going to be an amazing missionary and he has the greatest testimony I have ever heard.

I zoned out in my first class, and in my second class Joseph sent me his last text which I didn't even get to respond to because I was in the dark room. I couldn't really pay attention during school today. My family took pictures though so I will post some from the MTC.

After his farewell talk 

Joseph saying goodbye to his girlfriend Taylor. Another heart
wrenching moment. My heart hurt for them. I remember that
feeling all to well. :(

After Joseph was set apart.

Last night together. The fam playing Cranium.

Last goodbyes at the MTC. I've realized this past
week that I have a very emotional family. :)
So hard to let him go.

Summer's End

We're back from three weeks of vacationing! I don't want to write a novel here so I am going to really summarize our trip. The first two weeks we spent with Brandon's family and went to South Carolina first for a day to visit family and then headed to Georgia next and stayed at Sea Island in condo's for a few days with a bunch of his family. We were right along the beach which was really pretty. After that we went to Florida with just Brandon's family and went to Disney World. We were there for a few days and then got home on the 6th. My family had already left for Lake Powell but my dad had to work, so we flew there with him the next day. :) We spent our one year anniversary there and Ron decided to make us a little cake resembling our wedding cakes that he had done for us. Thanks Ron! You are the best! Now I guess summer has to come to an end...depressing. I love the holiday's coming up though!

Magic Kingdom

Epcot-Japan

We spent a lot of time in the pool. :)

Georgia, Sea Island 

Watched baby turtles crawl to the ocean.

Lake Powell

Getting ready to take off in the plane.

Ice Cream at Hall's Marina

Pretty rainbow after a scary storm we had to
boat through. Luckily, we got out of it safe.

Cutting our anniversary cake.

Ron made us half brown and half white just like he did for
our wedding. :)

Steph and Spencer in the front of the boat.

I love these boys. :)

Joseph building a fort in Moki Canyon

Brandon and I fed the carp fish frosted flakes. :)