The Last Days . . .

Jake painting his self portrait

So the last days this week before Jake went into the MTC were a lot of fun.  On Saturday we went to Ceramica and each of us painted a self portrait on a platter.  It took a while, but looked pretty cool once it was finished.  This will go with the family plates we made over 9 years ago and the family bowls we made a few years after that.

Jake and G'pa talking

Then on Sunday we had all the family over for pies.  I think we had like 9 different pies.  Once everyone ate their fill we all sat around late into the evening talking and playing games.

Bishop Rodgers, Jake and Paul

The next eventful day was Tuesday, the day before he left to the MTC.  We ended up going to his last movie, which he chose as The Bourne Legacy.  We had one last family dinner at home, then the Stake President and Bishop Rodgers came over to set Jake apart.   All the family participated in expressing their feelings for Jake and giving him some advice. It was a really special moment and hard to hold back the tears.

At the airport, 5:30 AM

The next morning we woke up at 4 AM to get ready and take him to the airport.  It was tough to get up the courage to wake him and let hime go.  I have to admit that I waited a moment and watched him as he slept.  I know, kind of creepy, but I'm his dad so it's OK.  Once we got the whole family up and shoes on, we were out the door at 5 and off to the airport.  While we were checking him in we ran into another family with groggy siblings and concerned parents sending their own boy off to the MTC, so it felt a little better.  Misery loves company.  Then it was up to the security check and the final hugs.  The goodbye was sad and there is no other way to say it.  Yuck.

Final wave at security

He called when he landed in SLC and was waiting for the shuttle.  He sounded happy and excited.  Now we are just very anxiously waiting for that first letter.  All the posts after this one will be his own letters and the pictures will be directly from him.  Keep him in your thoughts and prayers. We sure miss him badly.