Elder Wilcox leaves for the MTC

Today was a very hard day. I wanted to make sure I had remembered everything that Skyler would need for the next two years. I had checked off list after list. I had been planning this day for months but when it came right down to it, it was much harder that I had thought it would be. Luckily both suitcases weighed exactly 40 pounds. He didn't have to worry about that going to the MTC but he will when he leaves for Texas. We all loaded up in the trailblazer and headed down to the MTC in Provo. The kids all sat in the second seat so they could be together for the ride down.

This picture is amazing! Elder Wilcox looks so happy and ready to serve the Lord.

We arrived at Applebee's in Provo around 12. We wanted to eat at the Texas Roadhouse but it didn't open til 4. Skyler wasn't as hungry as he usually was. I think he was kind of nervous for what lied ahead. We were all trying to make this luncheon last as long as we possibly could.

Skyler and I eating our onion rings in our own special way.

I passed this trick along to all my children.

After we got done eating, we drove up by the temple to have some private time with Skyler. Of course I had my camera and wanted tons of pictures.

Elder Wilcox and his Dad

The Carters and Elder Wilcox

Brittanee and Elder Wilcox

I just didn't want to let go. He has grown into such an amazing young man.

Our family with our reflection on the car representing eternity.

"Families are Forever"

Elder Sheldon Skyler Wilcox

Elder Wilcox and his sisters, Shelynne and Brittanee

Our last hugs before Elder Wilcox went to the MTC

We will all miss him so much but know that he will be blessed and so will we.

As they were walking away the Host asked Elder Wilcox where he was going and Skyler said Texas and then he asked him what language he was speaking and Sky said Spanish and the host shouted out in Spanish, "Ah, the best language in the world". There was a smile on Sky's face and we all knew we would be in good hands.

The ride home was very quiet and subdued. I tried to be strong but things just kept reminding me of Skyler. I want to be the best missionary mom ever. I am going to try, I said try, to learn a little bit of Spanish here and there. I may be watching Dora on TV sometimes, or being tested by my girls, but some how I am going to pick it up. I know that the Lord called Skyler to serve in Texas, McAllen with a Spanish speaking Misison and he will be a great missionary.

Preparing for the MTC

Today was a very hard but amazing day. We had so much to do to get Skyler ready to leave for his mission tomorrow. We kept busy all morning trying to get everything organized and packed. Around noon, my mom came over. She brought Skyler a chocolate cake and some raspberries.

Then we all went out to eat at Angies.

Some of us had lunch and some had breakfast.

It was yummy!

Since I didn't have time to teach Sky how to iron and sew on a button, I asked my mom if she would fill in for me. Sky looks really thrilled.

Skyler's suitcases were almost packed. This was a very hard job for me. It's hard enough to pack for two years and not have your suitcases weigh over 50 lbs. each but its even harder to pack to say goodbye for two years.

Later that night, around 6:30, President Hobbs came over to our house to set Skyler apart as a missionary. We invited Mimi and Papa and Grandma to share this special occasion with us.

President Hobbs gave Skyler an amazing blessing. He blessed him from the crown of his head to the souls of his feet. He also blessed him with good companions, good health, to overcome homesickness quickly and many more blessings that he needed.

Sheldon giving his missionary son a hug.

The four musketeers

Skyler and his Grandma who loves him very much.

Brittanee was having a hard time.

She is really going to miss her brother tons.

Proud parents of Elder Wilcox

Bryce, Shelynne and Skyler.

My amazing children.

I couldn't ask for better kids.

Shelynne is going to miss her younger brother.

Group Hug!

Mimi, Papa and Skyler.

They are so proud of him.

"Our Family Tree"

Elder Wilcox and me.

I sure love this boy!

We had raspberry shortcake afterwards. I knew it didn't matter what I served as long as it had raspberries in it for Skyler. They are his favorite.

It was so great to have Bryce here helping us and answering all of our questions. He actually started Skyler with his first tie swap. Bryce let Skyler pick one of his ties to take on his mission. I guess this is what the missionaries do in the field. Of course Sky picked the one that had crimson and gold to remind him of Logan High School.

Skyler and his older brother, Bryce

Today was a very special day that we will always remember.

The Last Day

On the last day before Skyler was ordained an Elder, he went off roading with some of his really good friends. Before Sky came back home Kyle gave him a gift. It was a CTR ring. Kyle told Skyler to take that on his mission and whenever he saw it to remember that he had already converted one person. On the inside of the ring it said, "One Moment in Time"

Later that night, He went out on a date with Shayla. He got to take Shelynne and Bryce's car (the egg) They went and ate at Firehouse and then went and watched Harry Potter 7 part 2.

The Farewell

Bryce, Shelynne, and Huppi

Incredible women who made sure the lunch was delicious!

My brothers

Me and Shayla

Friends Picture

Don't drop the rolls Britt!

My absolutely incredible Grandma

My amazing parents

My incredible family

Tracey, Ginger, Aubree, Dalton, Daxton, and Paislee

Baylee and Madey

Kathy, Madey, and Beau

Madey Brea. I am wrapped around this little girls finger

Baylee Bop. I'm also wrapped around her finger :)

My cousin Daxton. What a stud!

Mark, Bonnie Anne, Wyatt, and Baylee

Haha I love Huppi!

Sis. Cabrera and Kordell (some of my favorite people in the ward)

LRUno ward members

The Ribao's (we're going to Hawaii together when I get home)

The Forbis'. I love these guys so much!!

What an incredible day! I got to give my farewell address today in Church, and then got to come home, eat food, and celebrate with family and friends! I couldn't ask for more. Thanks to everyone for coming today, it means so much to me!