Utah Trip Part II

Our second week in Utah, while my parents were at the MTC, we got to spend a couple nights with my sister who just moved to Salt Lake from Chicago.  We had a picnic at Sugar House Park, played games, ate gelato, talked, played with cousins.  Love having them closer!

 We even had time to visit with some dear friends. 

Adrianne and Rachel from High School.  They are even more amazing as they were back then.

Meredith and Brittney  - wonderful room mates from BYU.  These two women taught me so much about obedience and commitment to the gospel.  Love them! (Since I forgot to get a picture with them, I stole this from Facebook since it was only taken a couple weeks later at Brittney's wedding. Wish I could have been there!)

The Hansens were our dear friends in North Carolina. Luckily we both were visiting Utah at the same time so we got to spend a lovely afternoon at Aimee's parent's house. I love how Aimee incorporates regular gospel teaching in her home.  She is one amazing momma.  Love this family!  

We're keeping this picture for when Grant and Esther are both at BYU...to remind them to be friends. :)

Wednesday, we went back to Kaysville to welcome my parents back from the new mission president's seminar. They had just spent 5 days being taught by living apostles of Jesus Christ along with other church leaders, and when they walked in the door we all noticed a visible change in them. They were radiant! They were both so excited to get going. It was a special evening to sit and listen to them tell us of their experiences. The whole family is starting to catch on to the missionary spirit.

We spent the next day just enjoying be together one last time. 

Sam and my grandma Beth who will be 95 next month. She is amazing!

Then early Friday morning we all donned our Cyrillic "I love Ukraine" tees and went to the airport.  

There were smiles...

...and even more tears.

                                 
                                 

Away they go!

(To this day, Esther still thinks grandma and grandpa are at the "air fort.")

Goodbye mom and dad. We'll pray for you every day until you come back.