3 Weeks in Boise, Part II

So, the main reason we stayed in Boise for as long as we did is because my baby brother, R.J., is going on his mission! In the LDS church, 19-year-old boys are expected to have lived worthily and prepared themselves to serve a Church mission for two years. During those two years, they don't do any work, schooling, visiting with family, or anything else concerning their personal lives. They spend the first part of their mission in the MTC (missionary training center) learning how to teach the gospel full-time, and then they go out into the mission field.

R.J. is the first and only missionary in our family, so it's a pretty exciting time for us! Hannah, Joshua and I were able to be there to hear him speak in Sacrament meeting, and we had a wonderful time visiting with all of the family members who came to support him that day. Because he is serving in Tempe, Arizona we also had a Mexican-themed family party for him.

The kdis had a blast with the pinata!
Hannah loves having another 4-year-old in the family, her cousin Lance.The next time we take this picture, Hannah will be 6 and Joshua will be four! (and Seth will be over 30!)

R.J. (Elder Crandall now, since he was set apart tonight) goes into the MTC this Wednesday. We are sure proud of him but I will sure miss him! I've never not seen someone in my family for two years! We are so thankful we had the opportunity to take this trip. Thanks for all the fun and the good care you still take of me, Mom and Dad! and R.J., it's probably too late for you to see this, but we love you!