MTC

June 23rd was a big day in my book. It was a day we were to drop off my parents at the MTC. I've done the MTC before with siblings and my brother-in-law, but being at the MTC to drop off the parents was a whole different experience! (a good one at that!)

My parents came to my house to pick me up so I could "drop them off" so I could bring their car back to my house for my moms car to be shipped to NC. I was waiting outside when they pulled up. Tears immediately started flowing because this was the time for them to say their last good bye to Lincoln-man and James. It was so sad to see Lincoln's grandparents say their last goodbyes until we go visit. I snapped a few pictures and then we were on our way for a quick bite to eat and then we were off to the MTC.

When we got to the MTC we did a few last minute switching of suitcases and headed in. The MTC was such a welcoming place! The last time I was there was for my brother in law and it was just the quick, drop off at the curb. This time around it was so different! The first personnel we saw at the MTC security gate greeted my dad by saying "Welcome President Craven." It was like all of the MTC workers memorized all of the Mission Presidents faces.  They were so friendly to mom and dad and to us kids. When we got to the check in building they had water for us and had us take our time saying our goodbyes. And let me tell ya - we did :)

It was so neat to see my parents receive their name tags. I love my missionary parents! All in all the MTC was a great, GREAT experience.  Yes it was emotional knowing that they were really leaving for 3 years, but it is such a great blessing and thought knowing that they are out serving the Lord.

(now, here is the picture overload)

 What I didn't expect was to see my in-laws at the MTC too. They had to arrive earlier for some training so it was such a surprise to see them. It too was so neat to see them with their name tags on.

 Lincoln's grandparents!

(don't worry, it's already framed in his room)

Our parents got done at the MTC Wednesday night.  My parents invited whoever wanted to and could to a quick dinner so we could talk about their experiences at the MTC. Jana, Kelli and I went to Provo and enjoyed one last evening with my parents. It was so great. I cannot believe the experiences they had at the MTC. I am completely jealous! And to everyone's surprise - there were no tears during this goodbye!! :)

We've been able to hear from both our parents and all are well with them! They are busy, busy, BUSY that's for sure! They are loving everything so far. We pray from them multiple times a day and miss them like crazy. But like I said before, we are so excited that they are out serving the Lord.  Their missionaries are all SO lucky to have them!!