Student of the Month

 Connor was a Student of the Month for November for the second year in a row! Great job, Connor!

Ready for the MTC

On Wednesday morning we loaded up the car with Cody's luggage around 12:00 and then did the last of all the photos and hugs we could with Grandma, Granddaddy, Aunt Suzanna and her kids and Aunt Calley.  We sang Called to Serve on the way down to the MTC.  It was quite difficult to get through with out numerous tears!  On the way down we saw many families outside on the temple grounds taking their last photos.  One of those families was a friend of Cody's from high school, Ryan Garlic.  We didn't stop to say hi but it was fun to see someone we knew.  There are 3 other elders from our valley entering the MTC before Christmas.  One is going to Raleigh as well but Spanish speaking.  We dropped Cody off at the MTC at 12:30pm.  Grandma's house is about 5 minutes from the MTC.  We left her house at 12:21 and were back to her house by 12:36 after dropping him off.  It took us longer to drive to the MTC than it did to unload him and say goodbye.  After a final hug from mom, a final hug from dad and then a final final hug from mom he was off and so were we.  It was a good day with the sun shining brightly and not too cold.  We love out missionary!

Bon Voyage Breakfast

On Wednesday morning we had a special Bon Voyage breakfast for Cody.  Don went out early for Einstein bagels and we cooked up a storm.  I made grits and french toast.  Connor made bacon and sausage out on the grill.  Aunt Suzanna, Owie, and Ella, Uncle Chris and his family, and Mawmaw were able to join us and then give Cody one last round of hugs. 

Our Missionary

Tuesday night, November 27, we had family dinner of pizza from Papa John's and then got ready for Cody's setting apart. I wasn't sure if we were all supposed to be in our dress clothes but with a few phone calls we found out that it was a good idea for everyone to be dressed up.  Aunt Suzanna's family, Uncle Chris came and Mawmaw.  Aunt Anne stayed home with the kids because they were all super sick.   The stake president of Cody's singles ward was the one that set him apart. It was a very spiritual experience-other than Kyle being especially noisy and the phone rining.  Atleast it was Brigham Young that called in the middle of the blessing-the University that is.  I also made two of Cody's favorite desserts:snow tunnel cake and jello cake.  Cody had lots of phone calls and visits from friends all that day and into the evening.

Temple Square FHE

On Monday night, November 26, we went to Temple Square to see the lights.  Our first stop was City Creek mall.  Calley and Cody had been there before so they knew their way around.  We went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner and then walked across the street to see all the lights on Temple Square.  We listened to the Nativity and went inside to see the Christus.  We wondered around the grounds for a while and saw all the beautiful lights and then went over to the Conference Center for a super speedy tour.  Connor and Kyle were getting tired and wanting to go home.  It was not a very cold night thank goodness but a nice last FHE before Cody left.  

Family Photo Shoot

On Sunday November 25 Cody spoke in his singles ward.  We all went as well as Mawmaw and Grandma Penny.  Cody gave and outstanding talk, similar to the one he gave in Logandale the week before.  There were two other sister missionaries that spoke.  Afterward we had a family photo shoot in the grandma's backyard.  The top two pictures are what we used on our family Christmas cards this year.

Walking in a Riverwoods Wonderland

On Friday night November 23, we went down to Riverwoods to see the lights and see Santa.  Kyle didn't actually have to face Santa so he didn't really know who had him.  Cayden actually got within arms length of him this time.  It was a little chilly but not terribly so.  We went to the slider place and ordered a few to share and of course had to hit Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.  We also went into Blickenstaff's, a toy store and looked around there.  Riverwoods has lost alot of shops but it was still fun to go down there.  The line to see Santa was really short too so that made it nice.