Elder Wilcox leaves for the MTC

Today was a very hard day. Mom wanted to make sure she had remembered everything that Skyler would need for the next two years. She had checked off list after list. She had been planning this day for months but when it came right down to it, it was much harder that we 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 mom eating their onion rings in their own special way.

She passed this trick along to all her children.

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

Elder Wilcox and his Dad

The Carters and Elder Wilcox

Brittanee and Elder Wilcox

Mom 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, but I know that the Lord called Skyler to serve in Texas, McAllen with a Spanish speaking Misison and he will be a great missionary.

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

Skyler's suitcases were almost packed. This was a very hard job for mom. 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.

Dad 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, Skyler, and I.

My amazing siblings.

I couldn't ask for a better brother and sister.

I'm really going to miss my younger brother.

Group Hug!

Mimi, Papa and Skyler.

They are so proud of him.

"Our Family Tree"

Elder Wilcox and Mom.

She sure loves this boy!

We had raspberry shortcake afterwards. It didn't matter what was 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.

Family Pictures

We decided to go and take some family pictures before Skyler left for his mission. Mom asked a friend from the ward if she would take them for us. We decided to start at the temple and then headed up the canyon to Spring Hollow.

When we were all done we decided to treat ourselves at Tummy Yummy for frozen yogurt.

The pictures turned out great. We liked almost all of them. Thanks Tiffany for taking them for us. We had a fun day just being together.