Gone For Two Years

Unloading at the MTC. We realized the night before at around 10:00 p.m. that the set of luggage that we gave him for high school graduation did not have the biggest size that he needed. We were wondering how we were going to get all of his stuff into the two smaller bags we had. So at about 9:55 Matt and Dustin headed down to Shop Ko. We paniced for a little bit but it always seems that things work out when it is what is supposed to be done. Dustin gave a wonderful talk this last Sunday he had quite a few comments on it. He had some friends from Texas come, they were already coming to BYU, but came early to see Dustin off. Then he had several people from Sams Club come even some non-members and Dustin said "See mom I am already starting with my missionary effort". We had a family dinner later that day and then neighbors and friends stopped by later to wish him well. I think it made him excited about going.

Jared and Trish could not make it for lunch so they caught us in the parking lot at the MTC to say their good byes.

When they take you in the big room and have a little meeting the spirit was strong. Then the dreaded time came and they asked that the Elders go through this door and their family go through another door. So we said our good byes. Matt and I were very tearful to say the least and Dustin tried hard not to show much emotion as he huged us and quickly went for the door never looking back. Walking out to the parking lot I looked at Matt who was bawling like a baby, it was bad. We talked about how much we will miss this boy. Even though this is a very happy time because he is going to serve the Lord it is a very emotional one because we will not see him for two years. I am so excited to receive his first letter. He is scheduled to leave the MTC October 26th and head for Mexico.

Lunch at Brick Oven

Brick Oven was one of Dustin's favorite places to eat. Since it is up by the MTC we stopped for a last lunch before saying goodbye.

Family Pics

Saturday morning before Dustin left for the MTC Kirk Johnson took us over to the golf course and we took family pictures. I think that they turned out pretty good for last minute. It was really windy that morning.

First Day of 9th Grade

This is Samantha's first day of 9th grade. Can you believe that she conned Kylee to get up at 5:30 a.m. to curl her hair like this, crazy! I told Kylee she needs to start charging Samantha. Kylee's first day of school was yesterday and I forgot my camera so I will take a picture of her tomorrow.

Samantha made the sophomore volleyball team and this is the bag that she has to carry to school every day. She has practice from 3-5:00. She was really excited. They 3 days of 4 hour practices in which they made cuts every day. She was finally one of the 12 girls left standing. She is really excited.

Ward Campout

Matt roasting the perfect hot dog.

Bishop and Mark Lomenick. Trouble?!?

Kami Asay and a Patey boy working on a family flag.

The Friday before school the ward scheduled a campout at Payson Lakes. We wen for dinner that night but did not stay overnight. Everyone seemed to have a great time. This month has been deemed family month in our ward which means no meetings. No young men or young women, no presidency meetings, no welfare or ward council. I have to admit it has been kind of nice to come home and just relax on Sundays.

Domestic Diva

Kylee did most of the cutting of the corn.

Last week we picked apricots at Aunt Ann's house and bottled them. I guess this is what you do when you move to Utah!

CORN PICKING

Grandma Mitchell called us one morning and asked if we would like to go corn picking. So we got up at 6 a.m. and headed to Lake Shore a town pretty close to Spanish Fork. Bryan, Andy, Jared and a friend Jennifer came as well. We probably picked 0ver 200 ears of corn. It was a lot of fun! After we blanched the corn and cut it of the cob and froze it. We ended up with over 30 bags of corn.

The Temple, August 5, 2008

Dustin went through the temple. When I was going through my dad's things we found an extra white tie in his stuff. I gave that to Dustin so that he can take it out on his mission. He wore it in the temple that night. Bryan & Yuko, Jared & Trish, G&G Mitchell, Stacy & Kirk, Shelly & Chris and of course Seth were all there to support him. We later went to Applebee's.

GIRLS CAMP

Girls camp was up at Payson Lakes the last week of July. Each ward was a different country. Ours was Mexico if you can't tell. The girls had a lot of fun.

Kylee got the Bathroom Buddy Award. She was willing to go with any one the needed a buddy anywhere. The main place was the bathroom. This was Kylee's first year and she had a ball. I think it was easier for her because she had Samantha.

Road Trip

Seth and Dustin headed to Las Vegas.

They stayed at the Excalibur

They went to Vegas for a good friend of Seth's, Chase, that got married.

Dustin tagged along as he is just biding his time before he leave for the MTC

August 27, 2008.