Leavin' on a Jet Plane

November 20, 2013.  Today was the big day.  Today we took Elder Milton to the Tucson, Arizona International Airport to depart on his mission in Paraguay.  He had a connecting flight in Dallas to head to the MTC in Buenos Aries, Argentina.

Heading out the door

Because MJ is officially set apart, there were no movies to be played in the car, no radio to listen to, so we found some piano music on Pandora to enjoy.  It was a quiet, but enjoyable car ride.

MJ and Megan in the car on the way to the airport

We stopped and had lunch at MJ's favorite place, In and Out, before we went to the airport.  I am positive MJ savored every last bite of the 4x4 he ordered!

Thumbs WAY UP!

Today was a bittersweet day.  The sadness at saying goodbye is inexplicable, but the pride is overwhelming! All of us cried as we said our goodbyes!  It was a very emotional time.  We each had a few moments to say our goodbyes and take a final picture before he went through the security gate.

MJ and Kody

MJ will never know how hard Kody cried when he left.  Kody will miss his big brother!

MJ and Kali

Kali loves her big brother!

MJ and Megan

MJ and Megan have a special bond.  Megan will miss him so much!

Megan, MJ, Kody, Kali

MJ and Mike

Denise, MJ and Mike

Me and my son, Elder Milton!

A final wave goodbye

There he goes!

Godspeed Elder Milton.  You will be missed, but the Lord has so much in store for you!  You will be a magnificent missionary!