HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

Hayley with her friends...Having a blast at the big party the church puts on. They play games and have a big dance & breakfast!

Parker's MTC pictures

This is his district. Some went to Oregon & some went to Florida.
Parker said this guy was his favorite in the MTC. I think it's Elder Wardrop.

His desk in the MTC. Notice he loves his sister most! It was fun to see what he displayed. He loved the picture she made for him. And of course our Elders at home and the dog...Yes, Jessie is sure loved by him!

Christmas at MTC - beautiful lights outside. Parker absolutely loved the MTC but he did NOT like the food!

Christmas Day 2011

We forgot to take many pictures. But Hayley loved her very soft robe!
Here's our tree with just the gifts for 2. Hayley had to work today at the theater, so we did Christmas at 7pm. We had a very nice time together. It was different for sure, but it was still very good!

The big day...He's off to the MTC...gone for 2 years!

It was a very special experience. We had lunch and then headed up to the Provo Temple. We saw so many cars come up, park, family gets out with 1 guy dressed in a suit. Mom's all doing ok until they're asked how they are and then the tears flow! It was so fun to see it all happen.
Fun little shot he took up close. Gosh we will miss him!
Mom and Elder Kane in front of the temple. We took turns with many other families for this spot.
Hayley and Elder Kane. She was a rock that day...no tears at all! Just felt complete peace and was so proud of him. She said there just wasn't anything to cry about. These 2 are so close though...they will miss each other.

Here we are together! But only for a few minutes longer...

There was no time for pictures at the MTC. We pulled in, were directed where to go and in a huge production line, we pulled in while tons of other cars did to. Each car is greeted by 3 missionaries: the greeter, the Mom distracter and the luggage grabber! While luggage grabber gets the bags, Mom gets her hugs and good byes, then Mom cries so distracter starts to do crazy things to get Mom's attention, while greeter wisks your Missionary off before you even notice. Then you are ushered to follow the line & drive out...Took us about 2 minutes to pull in, good bye and out again. I was ok until we exited the grounds then the entire night I cried off & on....he just whispered in my ear..."Mom, it's ok, we can do this"..."I Love You"

We celebrate Christmas Early!

For the first time ever...we break the rule! Today is actually Parker's birthday...he turns 19! But since he heads to MTC tomorrow we decided to do Birthday and Christmas together. Never to be done again! Here he opens his very nice & sturdy umbrella...after all he's going to Oregon!
Here he sits with all his goods! He's all dressed up because in a little while we head to the Stake President's office to set him apart as an LDS Missionary!

Hayley got him a couple very cool hats!

He got her feather earrings & other fun stuff too! She was excited!

Another cool hat!

See...I told ya, pretty cool! He loved it!

Here he poses in all his gear! Coat, Hat, Backpack! Now off we go to get him official! He's so excited...now if Mom could just quit crying!

Farewell Open House

Hadley...one of Parker's best friends. They spent many many hours recording beatboxing video's to upload onto You Tube! These 2 will miss each other a lot!
Matt Green, Jordan Smith & Kerry Burnett. These 4 had a great time in high school! Jordan will have his mission papers in in the spring of 2012 & Kerry in summer 2012.
It's good to have great friends!!!

Elder Bowen & Elder Parker...currently serving in our area. They spent a lot of time with Parker and gave him a lot of advise...in return he gave them a lot of rides! Elder Bowen just came out at Thanksgiving...so he's not far ahead of Parker. We love these guys!