The last week home

It's been busy these past couple of weeks. We've continued getting items and tasks completed before Trace leaves. In true Trace-Face form, he waited until the last minute to get things done (just in case the list changed and he didn't want to do things twice). On the 17th Trace entered the Sacramento Temple to take out his endowments. It was the first of many spiritual experiences to happen this week. It was great because one of his older sisters, Tamber, was in town and able to attend. Great experience and we were to honored to be able to witness such an important step in his life.

(A familiar sight when on family vacations. The three kids sharing the back seat. Last time for the next two years.)

The following Tuesday Trace received his Patriarical Blessing. His 3 parents, 2 siblings, and 1 grandparent were in attendance. It was wonderful to hear of the love that our Heavenly Father has for Trace and the blessings that are awaiting him as he choses a righteous life. It's hard to put to words the feelings that come from such an experience but I think gratitude will do for now.

On Thursday evening Trace was to be set apart as a missionary. Before hand we took he and his brother and sister to an indoor miniature golf place that has a halloween theme year round. It was fun to see them get along and enjoy themselves. The place used black light so all of our whites glowed. After he was set apart his mom took him, the kids, and some of Trace's friends to dinner. Trace said it was weird because now that he was an Elder...he was not able to be out late and ended up going to bed before midnight (a first in a very very very long time).

Goodbyes were said on Friday morning to Trace's mom, Tashly and Tevin. We headed out to Utah about 10 in the morning. The trip was pretty uneventful and we were glad to arrive at Uncle Shaw's house safely. We could feel the temperature change immediately. Utah was great. We had a get together with the Covington side of the family. Although not members, they are so incredibly supportive of Trace serving a mission. Sure is a family with lots of love. We went to Utah 4 days earlier than we needed to so that we could finish purchasing clothes and items that were required of Trace before he entered the MTC. We managed to have just enough time for that and for a little fun too. Of course it rained and snowed (to the chagrin of Trace) which was a reminder of how much we love California although it's nice to remember how pretty it is when the snow falls.

(Dad chasing Trace...a regular activity growing up...during Ultimate Frisbee game)

(Cake that Tamber made for Utah get together)

(Trace with his big sisters- now he's taller than them)

(Trace showing his nephew how to set up the toy set that use to be his. He had a little bit of a hard time letting go :) )

(Monday night we went to Temple Square in SLC and walked around the visiter center. Great view from the ground. Better from inside)

Wednesday was the big day. Trace was packed and ready at 9:00am, we drove to Provo and met his older sisters, niece, and nephew for lunch before dropping him off. In recent months the MTC stopped having a family goodbye meeting due to the swine flu being spread so ramped. Now it is a curbside drop off. Literally, we have time to get the luggage and the missionary out of the car, take a couple of photos, a quick hug and off he goes. I suppose it was nice to have it quick like that...no need to pull that "goodbye band aide" off any slower than it was. We said our goodbyes than jumped back into the warm car with our eye a little misty with tears. They were good tear and short lived as we talk of how proud we were and excited for this next stage in his life. He's sure grown up fast.

(Our goodbye photo)

(Watching Trace walk towards the MTC doors with an escort pulling his bags - It's official - He's a missionary!)

Until next time ...