IT'S HARD TO SAY GOOD-BYE

 We did it.  Wednesday, August 20th we dropped Elder Weber off at the MTC.  It was a pretty nice day.  I had made a big family breakfast and we sat around the table talking and laughing.  It felt very bitter sweet to me.  I knew this was the last time for 2 years that all my chairs would be full.  I didn't add to the conversation much, rather I sat back and tried to take mental pictures that I could hold on to.  Once breakfast was done we took some family photos down by Oquirrh Lake.  The wind wasn't cooperating, but we found a pleasant spot to take a few snapshots.  We then headed home and loaded Zack's suitcases into the van and we were off.  I enjoyed the kids banter in the backseat as we made our way to Provo.

 Many of my friends had warned me that when you drop them at the MTC you have about 2 minutes to say good-byes and then they whisk him off.  So the "thing to do" is to stop at the Provo Temple across the street and get some finally pictures together and have your GOOD BYE MOMENTS and then do the drop.  The lawn outside the temple is peppered with missionaries and their families doing much of the same thing.  It was nice to have this peaceful moment with him before actually watching him walk away.  I think we all took a moment to say our last goodbyes and add our last words of wisdoms in person.

We pulled into the MTC drop off area and were instructed to pull into spot 24, which we did.  A "host" Elder met us and retrieved Elder Weber's suitcases and inquired about where is was going.  We then all got our final hugs (and a kiss on the cheek for mom) and I watched as my 18 year old son walk away to experience the "Best Two Years".