Oops, I did it again!

Well, we got a call from the MTC from Evan and he retore his ACL!!  He was playing basketball and jumped and heard a pop and it was confirmed that his ACL that he tore less than 90 days ago has been reinjured.  So...he finished out the 6 week MTC training and instead of flying out to Peru with his district we picked him up and brought him home to have another ACL surgery and recovery before he can go to Peru on his mission.  Surgery was successful on 10/25 and he's hoping for a quick 6 week recovery so he can get to Peru!

Elder Evan Smith at the MTC

Elder Evan Smith entered the Provo MTC on September 11th and had an incredible experience there.  He loves his district and had some funny and spiritual times there.  It was fun to see him each Wednesday as I was a volunteer for incoming missionaries.  It was also interesting after he tore his ACL again knowing that he would be coming home for surgery while his district traveled to their areas to begin their service.  Nevertheless they were all incredibly close and shared their MTC time together.

 Elder Smith and his companion, Elder Stoddard!

God speed Elder Smith!!

Well, it isn't much easier the 2nd time (except this time he's in Provo and I volunteer there once a week) but it's still an amazing experience to send a missionary off.  The tears and smiles were flowing as we said goodbye to Elder Evan Smith to begin his MTC training and then head to Lima Peru to begin his missionary service.  

The last supper...

We were able to go out to dinner with everyone one last time before Evan leaves on his mission to Peru.  Having the whole family together is one of my favorite things and the time is so sacred to me.  We are excited for Evan to go and serve in Peru and to learn and grow as a missionary.  Families are forever!

A big birthday celebration for President Nelson.

We attended the 95th birthday celebration for President Nelson in the tabernacle.  It was such an inspiring, wonderful evening of celebrating the life of an amazing man.  I learned a lot about his whole life and how he has spent it healing hearts (as a surgeon and then as an apostle) his entire life.  He is such a kind and gentle man, who inspires others to do goodness and to see the best in everything.  It was fun to see the different videos, participants, and program all together.

First day of school...only 1!!

McKinley's first day of 10th grade.  The only 1st day of school this year at home.  She is kind, thoughtful, smart, sassy, and spunky.  Here's to a great sophomore year!

McKinley's shopping birthday!

McKinley turned 14 on a Sunday  (June 10th) , so we spent the Saturday before shopping and going out to lunch and just hanging out together.  It was really fun to be able to go shopping and have her pick out all her birthday clothes!  We had a great time.  Then she wanted a big burger and she got one that's for sure.  

McKinley is a quiet and thoughtful and reflective young woman.  She is a loyal friend to many and includes all types of people in her friend group.  She looks out for the underdog and is kind to everyone.  She is tender hearted and loves to do the right thing.  She hates hugs and loves tumbling, twisting, trampolining, and anything she can put her mind to to conquer.  Her cousins are her best friends and she is almost always happy and helpful.  My daughter is everything I could ever want....Happy birthday McKinley!