More Ice!!

First words walking in the door.  "Don't worry Mom!  We aren't hurt--we just needed ICE!"  Sigh.  They love this sport.  

 

Travis Scott Burger

McDonald's had a new burger called the Travis Scott burger that the boys have been wanting to try.  On Monday after pulling weeds for someone on the APP taskrabbit we decided to go out for burgers.  Because you still can't eat in McDonalds we brought lawn chairs and ate in a parking lot.  The boys enjoyed their burger and think I'm a cool Mom because I turned up a Travis Scott rap song while we were in the drive thru.  Crazy kids. 

 

Monday P-Day

 A call from Tyler on Monday was nice.  He's loving NC!  He's in a small town that he loves, seen huge spiders, says the people he has met are super friendly and he just seems to be all smiles.  Happy his first week went so well.  Yesterday he met (over zoom) his new Mission President and his wife.  They are from Australia and just got their VISA cleared.  I'm sure they will be awesome.  Here is photo of the temporary mission president and his wife greeting him in NC.  

zoom call!  He seems happy.  

The Season has Begun!!

August 27th marked the first game of the season.  It was a great game and these boys came off the field in tears.  Imagine what would have happened if they had lost?  They won an absolute great game, and were crying tears of joy!!  "We are just so happy there is a season."  After so much worry as to if there would be a season they've loved every second they have gotten to play.  I honestly love watching them play and seeing their joy.  First game was a WIN.

Makai at Kory's first game--he comes prepare with toys.  

Trey wearing his mask to the homecoming game!  

Senior Night.  We are proud of our Senior!

Kory's game against Bellevue West.  It was pretty hot.  Luckily they won!!  

And the ice begins!  "Don't worry Mom.  I'm not hurt."  Really cuz I thought ice was for injuries!  

Parents night--such a happy boy!

Game #3--Another win.  After the games Kyle always comes to find us.  He won't leave a game unless he's talk to us and thanked us for coming.  These are tender moments.  It was a cold and wet game, but we wouldn't of missed it for the world.  

 

At Home MTC

I was surprised by how busy at Home MTC kept Tyler.  He began his training in the Basement grudge closet.  I loved this package a member of our ward dropped off.  It kept him stocked the entire MTC.  Such a kind, sweet, gesture that made him feel very loved.  

I love walking into his room and finding all his study guides.  

And 'P' days were always fun as we still got to hang out as a family.  On this day Makai was complaining about his shoes so the boys decided to carry him.    

Most of his day is spent on this computer with his companion Elder Spencer from Oklahoma. He's also going to Ecuador, but a different mission from Ty.  They got along pretty well.  I wonder if they will ever get to meet in person.  Honestly, Tyler spent most of his days on the computer.  Sometimes he'd make it for dinner, but no always.  He had Saturday and Sunday off, but his weeks were pretty busy.  He made the most out of home MTC.   

He even got to go to the Elkhorn homecoming game.  He wanted to see Kyle play at least once this season, so that was a pretty cool perk to Home MTC.

On the way home from Kory's football game on Saturday.  This made me cry.  Tyler is such a great brother and I know this kid will miss him.  Makai was sound asleep on Tyler's lap after the game and Tyler just tried to stay as still as possible.  Tyler has a special way with Makai.  I think Makai will change he most while Tyler is gone--but this was a moment worth capturing.  

The day before Tyler left Brianna had donuts delivered to the house.  This is a Chocolate Peanut Butter donuts and if you know Ty you'll know this right up his ally.  That was very sweet of her and the entire family felt loved. 

The night before he left we had a nice family discussion.  Makai had already fallen to sleep so he didn't really get to say goodbye, but the rest of us did.  It was kind of surreal, with a mix of emotions.  

Here are the last few pictures we look of him in front of the house and leaving at the airport.  Monty dropped him off.  I must say that as I said goodbye to him that morning before leaving for school my  heart was in about a million pieces.  I wasn't sure if I'd be able to make it through the day.  Walking away from him and leaving for school was horrible.  I could have hugged him forever I think.  But, I did have a thought about a day before he left.  The thought was a quote I have loved ever since I heard it many years ago.  I think it is by Albert Einstein.  And says something to the effect of:  A ship is safe in a harbor, but that wasn't what a ship was built to do.  

I know in my heart this is the next step in Tyler's journey.  I'm excited for him.  I'll miss him, but I can't wait to hear his stories and see what he learns while he is out serving.  This is what he was built to do.  Love you son!!  Can't wait to see you in two years, but enjoy the journey!!  

 

My Mom heart felt much better once I saw this picture of Tyler with his one night companion.  They were together the first night before he will be given another companion and assigned an area.  He looks pretty content and happy and after shedding a few more tears, I slept well knowing he's now officially on a mission for our Savior!!  

Nana's Visit

Nana was supposed to come this summer for a visit, but ended up not being able to because Lu had some medical issues, so she came for a weekend as she wanted to see Tyler before he left.  Makai is about as tall as Nana.  Everyone enjoys the food and Samoan coco she brings whenever she comes.  We were glad she was able to visit.  

Tyler had to an appointment to get new glasses, but he needed a companion--Trey did his part and was him companion for the morning.  

Nana taught me how to make Kimchi.  It turned out pretty good!  

 

School Started

 Our district is one of the districts who began in person classes for this 2020 school year.  Someone had to try.  Many precautions have been taken.  For example this is what I wear whenever I am close to students:

Never imagined I'd be teaching like this--but 2020 has been a memorable year.  I'm student teaching this semester, so I am super busy.  So...I didn't even get 1st day of school pictures this year!  Kind of a lot of my plate--some things suffer.  But, Kyle is starting 12 grade.  Kory starting 10th.  Trey is starting 8th grade and Makai 5th.  Makai has the same teacher Trey had for 5th grade.  Trey has teachers Kory and Kyle both had.  At dinner they talk about being called each others names at school.  Luckily they are use to them doing that at home all the time.  

Monty is doing a psychiatry rotation.  We went from no schedule--to massive schedule, but still just trying to take things one day at a time!!