We dropped Calianne off at the MTC this week and it was the absolute worst but also the absolute best and I can't decide if it was the happiest day or the saddest day of the week when, of course, it was both!

We did try to soak up as much time as we could before she left on Wednesday. We did some last-minute shopping and got to play some last games. Tuesday, she had most of the day off, so Megan, Sarah, Avery, Lyla, and I went for a last hike to enjoy the very beginnings of fall color. It was a beautiful hike and Cali got lots of last moments with Miss Avery as she held her hand and carried her rocks for her.

On Wednesday, we got the family together for her last meal (now I'm really sounding like she's dying aren't I?). It was fun and supporting and memory-creating to be together for lunch! We got Beth and Ben out of school. Grandma and Grandpa came over. Megan and Ammon were there. Sarah came with her babies. I made homemade pizza and fruit smoothies (because that's the only way Cali will eat fruit) and it was yummy! Afterward we took pictures and piled into the van to drive to the MTC.

By request, we let Cheyenne know when we were leaving the house. As we pulled onto MTC grounds, we saw Chey sprinting across the grass to meet us in the parking garage. It makes me cry to think of it again. She became Calianne's missionary greeter. We all squealed and hugged and cried. We took as many quick pictures as we could. We got out Cali's suitcases. 

Then the two of them walked away together waving as they went. Crying, probably, too.

And I will not see either of them for a year and a half! 

Which is not entirely true. I will see them on video calls once a week. And that will help. And I know it is a great place for them to be and such an amazing, growing experience that will help them in all aspects of their life. Not to mention that it will turn their focus outward in beautiful ways. 

Still. It was hard. I was sad. It would make sense for me to wish to not be a part of a church that asks for a sacrifice like this or encourages my kids to leave me like this. But that is not something I would ever wish for. Being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gives me so much back, makes my life bigger and more meaningful in so many ways and I am grateful. Grateful for the chance to watch my little ones grow and believe in a world deserving of Love. My heart fills to bursting when I think of it.

So, it was a happy day, too. As someone in our church services said today, "I am grateful for gratitude."

On Friday, Ben had another cross country meet and guess who came up to see it? Mariah! Ben did great! He knocked 40 seconds off his time and again had so much fun.

On Saturday, Beth needed a couple more tests done at Primary Children's Hospital before her surgery on Monday. So, we decided to make it fun! Kevin, Megan, Mariah, Ben, and I all came. Then once the tests were done, we drove to Donut Falls and hiked the 1.5mile roundtrip. So beautiful and so fun to be together!