The MTC

Austin entered the Missionary Training Center on Wednesday March 25th at 11:30am. We were all there to see him off & ofcourse I had my camera to document the event! He was nervous but mostly excited! We took pictures in the lobby, then headed for the chapel where we sang 'Called to Serve', had a little service & watched a video about what to expect in the MTC. It was cool to see! They told the Missionaries that there is a rule that they have to write home at least once per week. So I decided right then and there that I am going to do the same thing! I don't have an address for Austing yet... (could whoever has it please leave the info on this blog?) Anyway, so I am blogging... Hopefully he'll see it before he's off to Peru! So, he's in the Provo MTC for 3 weeks, then off to the MTC in Lima Peru for 6 weeks. After they gave the closing prayer Austin looked at me & said "Oh crap is this really it?!"... haha, he kept saying that over & over, but deep down I know he was really excited! I told him to enjoy it & have fun, just because I know how serious he can get... lol! We love you Austin! Have fun!!! I'm going to continue to tell him that over the next two years, because I AM the FUN ONE afterall... lol!!!

Walking throught the doors of the MTC, the mission finally begins!

Getting his instructions.

Mom putting on his "official" nametag.

Posing with Granny & Goat

And with Mom & Dad

Four of the closest siblings that will ever be!

hahaha.... Our Family

"Go & preach My Gospel".

Last moments before going into the Chapel... We love you Baron!

More Pics...

Sunday Farewell Pictures

After church activities we all met up at Dad & Karens for punch & eclairs... Good Times!

The Parkers enjoying some punch...

Jamee & Mom

Shaun & Lindy

Joe & Mary

Random Cousins & Friends

Broc & Heather

Mom, Grandma, Diane & Bill

Saturday Night Farewell Party Pictures

Thank you to everyone for coming!! After almost everyone had left Austin, Lacey, Mom & Denny stayed for a game of Texas Hold'em with Shaun & I. It was really fun & great to have a little more one on one time with my baby brother before he left. Hope y'all enjoyed the party!!

Stetson thought the donkey was a real dog & barked at it... lol

He got the idea pretty quickly & got in some pretty good hits!

Then it was Tylers turn... Didn't get in too many hits with Austin pulling it up & down..

I was a little nervous that the bat was going to fly outta his hand!

haha, look at Austin hiding behind the chair...

Yay Candy!

Pouch full of goodie... very cute!

Shaun was glad that everyone had fun playing Rock Band!

Austin's 20th Birthday Party

I was happy that Austin was home for his birthday before leaving on his mission. It's weird to think that the next birthday that we'll actually get to celebrate with him will be his 23rd. lol! That's weird!

Elder Bowthorpe

Well, Austin has been in the MTC for about 3 days now, and I know that he is on all our minds. But I truly believe that our Heavenly Father is watching over him and He will take care of him for us. Going on a mission is something that Austin feels very strongly about and I know that it is something that he WANTS to do. Lindy and Shaun threw a great going away party last Saturday and had an awesome turn out, the food was great, as well as the pinata. It's always funny to see Broc and Austin laughing at/with each other. Austins farewell was also great. He spoke so well, and I think everyone enjoyed his talk. His countenance shines and he has a great spirit which will help him on his mission. I know that Austin wants me to thank everyone for all their help, love and support. Please remember him and our family in your prayers. Thank you.

Well yesterday was the day. We took Austin to the MTC. He was very excited to start on this journey. One of the funniest things I observed was how fast they sang " Called to Serve Him". I was having a hard time after and Jamee in her wise words said, " Just look at it as 24 Fast Sundays." That sounds better than 2 years.

Hey there it Austin I want to thank everyone who went to my farewell and to my sister jamee for setting up this blog.