The last few crazy weeks!!

In March Slim received his endowments at the Medford temple.



I got to take Slim to Oregon and visit my family.  Here is a picture of two of my very favorite people, my Uncle Ed and Auntie Nell.  I have stayed at their house many times.  The first time wasn't long after I was born.  I got to be their little one because my father was away in Greece.  Their youngest child is nine years older than I am......so I got to be the baby!!  Drew and I got engaged at their house...several years later.  And I go back every once and a while to let them know I still love them and think about them often!

 I got to see my mother!!  Isn't she cute?

And below is my brother, David and sister, Sara, with two of her five beautiful daughters, Elisia and Elora.



Slim was able to go with us and say goodbye to everyone before he left for Brazil.  It was fun for both of us!

The weekend after we returned...Spanky graduated with his Associate of Science in General Studies.  He also graduated from high school a week later.  Ya', kinda weird..but it is where we live.  He heads off to college in the fall.  Here is Slim's dress and attire for the graduation.  Notice the unkempt hair and unshaven face.  I thought it was particularly interesting considering that later that evening he was being set apart as a missionary.  Luckily he did shower and shave before that appointment!!!

Slim was set apart on Saturday evening.  Drew's parents were able to come.  It was a wonderful experience.  We came home and took our very last family pictures where all of the children would be home.  The next time we will all be together won't be until Sport returns home from his mission.  By then I'm sure we will have added spouses and maybe grandchildren to the group.  Slim gave his farewell address in the single's branch.  We all drove up there to hear him.  His testimony has increased immensely.  He is ready to teach others and bear testimony.  What a wonderful parenting payday!!

Then.......it was time to pack.
It was an amazing process.  Slim packed, unpacked, repacked, decided he needed more luggage, repacked again, shoved, rearranged, sat on luggage to close it, removed a few items, and it was all over the family room for two days.

The Seminary class intended to fork our lawn the night before

Slim left.  It was raining, so they forked the flower bed instead!

Here are a few of our favorite signs:

Richard is Slim's best friend!!

And Sister Craig is the seminary teacher.

What would the youth do without such fabulous seminary teachers??

Slim boarded the plane @ 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning.  We haven't heard from him, but my understanding is that that is normal.  We look forward to hearing from our missionary and figuring out when P (Preparation) day is so we can look for our letters.  He has become a permanent part of our family prayers, night and morning, and for all of our meals.   We love you!!  We are proud of you!!!  We are praying for you!!!