Goodbye Mason!

On July 4th 2017 Mason's twin brother Landon left on his mission to Santiago, Chile.  This left Mason home one whole week with out his twin.  As much as we were missing Landon and adjusting to him being gone we were truly enjoying our last few days with Mason.

Like we had done with Landon we let Mason choose some activities to do together as a family the last weekend he was home.  Some of those activities included, Alpine Slide, tomato basil soup (yep in the summer), swimming, several temple trips and Krispy Kreme doughnuts.  We savored all these moments with him! 

Monday we spent the day finalizing packing and squaring away any last minute needs.  That evening the 1st counselor in our stake presidency came over an gave him a beautiful setting apart blessing.  He officially became Elder Evans!  

Since Gracie had sent Landon off one week earlier she was getting good at saying "Landon is on a mission in Chile" when she saw Mason all dressed up before he was set apart she caught on quick that Mason was also going to go on a mission.  Just pretty certain she doesn't totally get how long a mission is.  

Mason's flight was scheduled to depart at 9:30am.  It was advised to be there 3 hours early.  Since we are a good 1 hour drive from the airport it was a very early morning at our house.  

Mason was up early all ready and making himself breakfast.  He seemed to still be able to eat.  The nerves had not got to him and he was just excited!  

His dad offered a sweet family prayer and savored his last few minutes at home. 

On the way we ate doughnuts in the car and Gracie gave us a little screaming fit.  I told Mason she was only trying to make it easier for him to go.  He said that was the only thing he wouldn't miss about her.  Hopefully when he gets back she has out grown her screams. 

The airport was a lot busier than it was when Landon left.  Long lines at both the check in and security.  Even though we were there with plenty of time it still make Mason became a bit nervous.  He did not want to miss his plane!  There were several missionaries in the airport leaving, so lots of families gathering in corners shedding tears and giving final goodbyes.  We talked to just a few missionaries and they were either going to the England MTC or Mexico CCM.   Mason wasn't able to meet up with any that were going to the Alpine German Speaking Mission but several that were going to the same MTC.  He was defiantly not going to be the only missionary on his flight.  

Then we started to say our goodbyes.  

Good byes are hard, but we were also just as excited and proud of Mason.  

Gracie adores Mason so she gave hime several hugs and kisses. 

Jacob and Lydia are lucky to have such great big brothers to look up to.  

 

After our tearful goodbyes, Mason got in line, and we watched for about 15 minutes until he was completely through security!  Oh how we love this boy!  He will be an amazing missionary!  

About the time his flight was going to take off, we got a text from a person on his flight along with this picture of Mason getting on the plane with lots of missionaries!  

Sure loved seeing his smiling face!