Headed To The MTC

June 8th.  Everything revolved around this date for the past 5 weeks.  Everything we were doing was preparing for this date.  June 8th.  It arrived a lot faster than I hoped it would, but we were ready.  Everything was packed in his suitcases and waiting.  Riley was excited and nervous.  We were all on the edge emotionally.  We decided that before we dropped him off at the MTC that we would all go out to breakfast.  Riley chose IHOP which made everyone happy.  Our time there went by way too fast though.  We enjoyed good food and great conversation.  Then we had to make a quick stop by WalMart to buy him a watch.  He always used his phone to check the time and we didn't even think about getting him a watch. We succeeded and then headed towards the MTC with heavy hearts.  We were told to stop by the temple to take our photos, because the actual drop off at the MTC is so fast and hurried and they don't let everyone out of the car.  Just mom and dad.

 Of course trying to get a good picture of all the kids together is eventful.  They are so silly.

 Thank goodness for the distance and my sunglasses.  I was a mess from here on out.

I am so glad that Annie was able to join us.  It was good for her to be there because these two are so close. She will miss him as much as we will.

Our last goodbyes in the car.  It was pretty funny watching them all try to get one last hug in before we pulled up to the MTC.

Not sure if this is exactly how Riley was feeling in the moment, but it sums up my thoughts completely.

This was the part I had been dreading for 5 weeks.  Nothing prepares you for this.  I knew it was going to be hard, but pulling into the MTC drop off lot I had the biggest panic attack.  I felt like I couldn't breath. How can doing something that you know is right, be so hard. I know that he will have an amazing adventure and that he is going to be one heck of a missionary.  I love him so much and I hope he know it.  We are so proud of the man he has become and are proud of his decision to serve a mission.  It was not an easy decision for him, but it was one that he had to make alone.

And just like that in under two minutes, he was whisked off.  He was in good hands and the other missionaries were so happy to have him.  Their smiles were contagious.  I was trying to smile through my tears, but I wasn't very good at it.  The ride home was pretty somber.  My kids really do love each other.  That is nice to know, because sometimes as a mom you wonder. Gosh I already miss him so much!