And they're off!

Mom & Dad entered the MTC on Monday, April 19, 2010. Becky & I followed them there, possibly against their wishes... because we HAD to get a picture of them in front of the MTC sign. That's required, right?!  In all fairness, we did have some of their luggage so they didn't have to strategically pack it again in their Stratus for the short drive from Becky's house... so we  pretty much had to go. Well, we got the required picture, plus a bonus shot in front of the Super 8 sign! That was their sleeping quarters for the first few days (a number of the senior couples rooms at the MTC were being renovated). We noticed the Dairy Queen right next door to the Super 8 (which was kitty corner to BYU stadium--notice how expensive gas is there!)... so later that night, we arranged to meet them at the DQ for a cool treat & a report of the first day. They called it an "INTERESTING" day, but they both had smiles and seemed quite excited! 

Upon OUR return to THEIR house in Las Vegas, it began to hit me that they're really gone... 

for 18 months!

They left some things behind in exchange for new challenges...

Their garden is still growing without them...

The dishwasher no longer "magically" gets unloaded...

And Darin has taken over their parking spot.

Yep, they're gone, and we miss them, but we're not sad! We know they are where they're supposed to be, and we're so excited for them! What an adventure and what a blessing! They'll be in our prayers every day, and we know they'll do great out there--those people in Charleston are lucky to have them. And now we (not they) have a new count down... until their homecoming!

We love you, Mom & Dad!