End of an Era

Jonah posted this picture in his Instagram stories and wrote, "End of an Era, love you Elder." It breaks my heart to see Jonah say goodbye to his best friend for two years.  The two years is hard, but I agree with Jonah that the end of an era is harder.  Entering this new phase of life where the kids are starting their own lives is hard.  It's hard for us parents and it's hard for the kids.  The carefree days of youth go by so fast.  I'm so grateful that we have so many great memories of spending time with cousins. We have all loved spending time with family over the years and building those relationships. I know it will be different for Cody and Jonah now, but I know they have built a bond that won't be broken.

Wednesday was the day that Cody entered the MTC in Provo.  They flew in Tuesday night and he was able to say goodbye to his grandparents.  On Wednesday Jonah and I met them at the temple before they dropped him off.   Matt and Lori have such a beautiful, loving family.  It's so obvious how much they all love each other and enjoy spending time together. It's going to be so hard for all of them to be separated. They are all excited for Cody and the good that he will do in the mission field, so that helps with the pain of separation. 

I took pictures of their family and then they took a few for us.

Jonah really wanted to be there to say goodbye so I'm grateful that they let us join them in this special family time.

Cody is sure a special guy.  He has always been so kind and caring.  He is a people person and can talk to anyone.  He has worked hard to prepare himself for a mission and he is ready.  He is going to be an amazing missionary.  

Elena is amazing too.  I wish Caitlyn could have been here too.  We have so many pictures of the four of them over the years!

I'm so grateful for all of my siblings and their spouses.  They are such great mentors and role models for my kids.  My kids all love their aunts and uncles.

Jonah doesn't talk a lot about the future, he is very much a live in the now enjoy every moment kind of person.  I love that about him.  He has started talking about going on a mission as he has watched Cody prepare.  Cody will be released two days before Jonah's 19th birthday.  I told Jonah he could be on his mission by then if he decides to go.  He told me he would not go until Cody got home so he could see him. It will be interesting to see what the future brings for these guys!

Jonah hates all the pictures I take, but I can't help it, I want to remember everything.

After all the serious pictures were out of the way the boys wanted to do some fun ones.  They wanted a "butt picture." Apparently they are very proud of their butts, ha!

I told them that they could take these same pictures with their wives when they get married and then have one of these pictures next to it. We always tease Cody and Jonah about their "bromance."

Cody gave a few piggy back rides.

It was fun to see him run down the hill with Matt on his back.

After that Jonah and I said our final goodbye so they could have some family time.  It was hard to say goodbye, but we are excited for Cody!