And Then.....

Wingappo all. Boy oh boy what a crazy and sweet month it has been. So many adventures and sweet, special, and spiritual moments. The perfect way to start a new chapter in my family's life.

 As we all know, my brother, Dan, was called to serve as a missionary in the Oregon Eugene Mission about three months ago. We dropped him off at the Missionary Training Center on Wednesday. It was a very sweet and special experience, though short. Basically, we got out of the car, Clayton and Dad got his bags, he gave us each a hug and a nice missionary boy came and got one of his suit cases and they walked off. And Dan didn't look back! I'm so proud of him. He has such a unique testimony, and it will add a lot to his mission I'm sure. It took him a couple years longer than usual for a missionary to leave, but he went when he knew he was ready and he knew why he was going. I'm so excited for him. I love you, Dan. Miss you already.
We went on lots of exciting adventures with Dan before he left, we went hiking in Zion and up in Kanaraville and up Cedar Canyon. We had lots of fun games we played and went shooting and soda golfing and made oh so yummy food and launched water balloons and went swimming and even just sat around and talked a lot.
It's still really weird though not having him around, it's more like he's just on a trip rather than a mission.
We did get letters from him today, he says his companion is cool and the MTC is the hardest thing he's ever done, and he's only been there a short while. But he shared his testimony of what he is doing and reminded us all that he will be home in two years, no sooner. :')

Not a ton else to report. Clayton and I are hanging out with each other mostly and I enjoy spending time with him. I depend on him a lot more than he knows. I love you, Clayton.
Mom and Dad are happy and producing a MONSTER SIZED garden. No joke, it is ridiculous. I'm pretty sure it could eat me before I get the chance to eat it....
Well I hope all is well with everyone and you all are enjoying the end of your summer :) More updates to come soon.