Enough Already!!!!!

We have had over 100 inches of snow this year.  Our last 3 inches came on April 12th.  I have cancelled seminary so much this year we had to make up for about 10 days-argh!!!  I have had it, I am done, I want spring to get here NOW.  Our poor hyacinths haven't even got buds on them yet.  Snow, snow, go away don't come back ANYMORE!!! (okay, venting done).

Follow, follow me

I have started a blog specifically for following Mitchell's mission adventures.  You can follow along too. . .
http://mitchellsmithmission.blogspot.com/

Since we can't see him off at the airport, I thought this would be the next best picture.

Welcome to your life for the next two years, Elder Smith.  Note to California:  Please be nice!!

And he's off. . .

We took everyone down when we went to Utah to drop Mitch off at the MTC.  It was exciting and emotional all at the same time.  Mitch is a great kid, a good example and will be a stellar missionary.  There was not a dry eye in the car when we all piled back in, minus one. 

The traffic jam of cars with missionaries being dropped off that afternoon.  These were only missionaries whose last names were from N-S.  Traffic was backed up in all directions.  Literally hundreds of missionaries were probably dropped off that same day.  Behold, the army of God.

Our Latter-Day Stripling Warriors.  They won't be together like this for a very long time.

Oh, sure. . .it's all smiles now, but you just wait. . .

Mom's death hug before letting him go for two years.

Passing the baton to the next generation of missionaries.

Missionary Farewell

Mitch had his farewell on February 9, 2014 at the Red Lodge Branch.  He gave a great talk and his dad held it together amazingly well when he spoke that day.  We did have a little get together after church as a send-off for Mitch.

Thanks to all the wonderful people who helped put this together!!

I'm Going There Someday. . .

Well, someday became a reality for Mitch.  On February 7, 2014 he went to the temple to receive his own endowment.  Congrats Mitch for your faithfulness and worthiness.  Check another thing off the list for mission preparation. 

A big thanks to the many friends who joined our family at the temple, you have contributed more than you know to the stellar young man shown above!!

Elder Mitchell Smith

We are getting closer to THE DAY!!  Here are some pictures I took of Mitch in all his missionary glory.  He will be entering the MTC on February 19th to serve in the California Roseville Mission.  I think he will be happy to get out of the subzero temperatures, even if it is California.  Mitchell is an example to all those around him.  He is stalwart and firm in his beliefs, and we could not be more pleased with him. 

We are excited, nervous, sad and thrilled all at the same time.  Here's to Mitch for choosing to serve the Lord!!!

Hitting the Hardwood

In one of his games, that title actually was true.  Parker is back at it this year in basketball.  Here are a few shots from one of his home games.  Near the last game of the day, he got fouled pretty hard and knocked his noggin against the hardwood floor, but, true to form, he shook it off and made the free throws.  Here are some of his mom's sweet shots of him in action.

At the line

Passing it off to T-Man

Taking the dish

Making the shot