THE DROP OFF

What an emotional day and just for the record I DO NOT like the way you drop missionaries off now.  I hated it.  Dave and I cried off and on, on our way home.  Brenan was great.  He was sat apart this morning and that took longer than we were planning.  We got to Provo with 10 minutes to spare but we didn't have enough time to feed him.  We were sitting in a parking lot because we were too early to drop him off.  He finally said lets go get this over with.  He was nervous but ready.  We drove in and they direct you to a number along the curb.  We were at the very bottom.  When we pulled in we saw Clint.  He was standing there waiting for us waving like crazy.  We couldn't stop and they directed us clear to the end. 

 Our last picture right before he walked away for two years.

 In the garage at home.  He was a little tired.

 Each slot has two "host" missionaries waiting to help him find where he is supposed to be going.

 The two hosts helping to unload his luggage.

Ready to start his two years of service.

Brenan's "Christmas"

We had Brenan's Christmas on December 13th since he leaves on the 15th.  We had dinner.  and then opened presents.  My pictures are goofed up in order. 

 Here is Dave after the exhaustion of the day he just couldn't stay up any longer.  Matt and Kandice getting ready to go home.

 Kaden opening his present.  The kids exchanged their gifts.  He got gloves for snowmachining from Matt. and an ipod speaker

 Brenan getting his gift.  He got a shirt I think what else do you get a missionary.

 Allie opening her gifts.

 Kandice got some really, really cute shoes from Rachel even though Matt didn't think they were very cute.

 Matt getting some snowmobile contraption

 Rachel she got a coat from Brenan.

 Kendall can't peak evidently that or he's opening his in his sleep. He got some sweats then a head razor.

 Dave wearing a hat on his head.  I think Christmas has got to him.  He's losing it!!

 Brenan opening the rest of his gifts.  He got a gun safe so that he can lock up all his guns so his brothers don't use them.

 Trying to get the safe down to his room.  Poor Kendall doing all the work evidently

 Kendall being smashed by the safe.

Kendall and Dave sliding down the stairs trying to catch the safe.  We finally got it set up in his room.  Brenan would not let anyone see the combination.  The next day I hear the soft hearted Brenan saying to Matt you can use my guns if you want.  Wow so glad we got the safe.

Family Pictures

I wanted a family picture with Kandice in the picture before Brenan left.  Wes our resident photographer was nice enough to take the pictures.  We took them after Brenan's farewell dinner.  They had to wait at my house until everyone left Brenan's dinner.  Wes did a great job and I got my Christmas cards out with our updated photo.

 Brenan and Alli

 Brenan being funny

Brenan's farewell dinner

Brenan's farewell was on December 12th.  He did an awesome job on his talk.  He was soooooo worried about it.  He did good then we had dinner at our shop afterwards.

 The bishopric who came after everyone else had went home.

 Kendall looks like he is stealing dessert or something.

 Streepers visiting with Brenan

 Alli's family and friends

 Dave, Rick and Lisa

 Destiny, a mad Maddie and Lyndon.  They drove clear from Utah. WOW what support he has!!

 Lyndon cheesing it for the camera

 We had a tremendous turnout.  He has a ton of support

 Denise you need to eat more.

 Melissa, Grandma Gwen, Jade, Hailey and Landon.  Love the face Hailey

 Kaden talking to Roni Treasure, Clint's mom.  Clint went to the MTC 2 weeks before Brenan

 Oakley and Brinley don't they look cute in their dresses

 Rick is looking a little doubtful about this conversation.

 Brevin, Kreed, Trajen, and Cole posing, FUTURE MISSIONARIES

 Some of the buddies

 Kaden laughing with the Polson's

 The family

 friends, friends and more friends

 Dave visiting with Carl and Linda Taylor

 Brenan must be thirsty

 Kendall and Titan Anhder, they look a lot alike.  Dave called him his mini me

 Bishop

 Kaden eating for probably the 10th time.

Shaylee Anhder pretty dang cute.

It was a great day.  We thank everyone for all of the support.  Brenan can't help but be a great missionary with all the support he has at home.