Goodbye

My parents finished the training for the MTC on Friday around 3:00 and were going to stay in SLC that night and then start the long drive to NYC.  They didn't really know that we were all going to go and meet them and stay the night with them so it was a fun surprise.  It was so good to hear all the spiritual stories they had, and hear about what they had been doing in the MTC for the past two weeks.  They meet so many cool people and learned so many great things. I was so touched to see how emotional it has made my dad and I can see how much this all means to him.  I couldn't really look at him when he talked because I was afraid I would start to ball.  They both seem so happy, and I am so happy for them.  It is so crazy to think about this amazing adventure they are going on.  

We had a lot of fun talking and hanging out together.  We were all so sad that we were missing Greg on this trip.  It just wasn't the same with out him.  It is so hard to have him in North Dakota and not close to home.
It was so sweet when my dad tried to tell us that he was so glad we came and that he was so thankful for his family he started to cry.  I had to look away and close my eyes because I as about to lose it again.  He said that he never thought that we would all come.  We just  laughed and said, "you can't get ride of us that easy."  I love that my family really does get along and really loves to be together.  WE always have so much fun together and laugh so hard at all the great stories.  I am so lucky to be apart of such a amazing family.

We all woke up early and had breakfast together before they had to get started on the long drive.  They were planning on going 500 miles a day and that way it would only take three days before they arrived.  

My dad can pack like it is a game of tetras.  I don't think they had room for ANYTHING else at all.   Annette had packed a blanket for them that they have had on their bed ever sense they were married.  It just felt weird for them not to have it.  My mom said it was so funny because when she got up that morning my dad was jumping up and down on his suitcase trying to get the blanket to fit inside.  

It gave me such a sad pit in my stomach to watch them drive away not knowing how long it will be before I will see them again.  It has made me realize how much I need them in my life and how much I love them.  But they are being such a great example to me and my family that I am so proud of what they are doing and that makes it all feel better and makes the pit go away.  My kids are going to always look up to Grandma and Grandpa and know that they love the gospel and they are on a mission.  It is such a great example, and I know ALL of our family will be blessed because of it.