The hardest day yet!

Last Wednesday, March 20th, Alex left for the MTC. Megan and Zach had school that day so Zach said his final goodbye the night before, and Megan was lucky to catch Alex awake that morning. Alex spent the morning doing some last minute packing and tying all the loose ends together before he left. At about 10:30, all his luggage was zipped up and Alex was more than ready to go. He was so excited to go!!! Saying goodbye was certainly harder than we expected, especially for Taylor who had to say goodbye to his best buddy!

The day finally came...

...when we had to say our goodbyes to our  brother, son, and friend. On Tuesday, March 19th, Alex was given the choice of where he wanted to eat out for his last dinner with us before entering the MTC. Alex chose Chinese takeout from Golden China (a definite favorite of ours!). After we ate, Alex gave each of his siblings a special gift that would help us remind us of him. The gifts were all very thoughtful!

Taylor LOVES his blanket from Alex!

 Later, we went to the Stake Center to have Alex be set apart as a missionary.

The festivities weren't quite over for us yet! Alex was craving some delicious Leatherby's, and how could we say no?! This would be our last time as a family of 8 in a restaurant until he comes home!

 



 

All around, it was a special night full of the Spirit. We are sure going to miss Al, but we know that he'll be an AMAZING missionary while he's teaching the people in Milwaukee!

Alex's Farewell!

Alex's farewell was on March 10th, and he had a ton of support from family and friends who came to hear his talk in sacrament meeting. He did an amazing job on his talk, and had many people to greet in the chapel afterwards. After that, both sides of the family came to eat at Aunt Lindsey's house. What a fantastic day!

We made some delicious cupcakes with missionary name tags and shirts and ties for decoration!

Alex had the opportunity to stand in the circle while his babyTanner got blessed on the same day. It was a special moment for Alex to be a part of such a special blessing.

Preparing for a mission!

Over the past few weeks, Alex has been pretty busy preparing for his mission. Trying to get everything bought and packed is a long process, but he's sure excited about all of his new stuff! He's pretty much done with buying everything he needs, so for the next few weeks we'll try and spend as much time with him as possible. He leaves FOUR WEEKS FROM THIS WEDNESDAY!!!!! Time flies!

A lot of misisonary stuff for Christmas

 

So handsome in his new suit!

While at the Missionary Mall, Alex found Milwaukee on the map

Mission call opening!

On December 5th, 2012, Alex anxiously opened up his mission call.With the whole family there, it was a fun experience to watch him open it up! We're all excited for him and this new chapter of his life. He leaves for the Provo MTC on March 20th. Milwaukee here he comes!