Seeing Mark off at the Airport was a whole lot harder than seeing him off at the MTC. Something about the whole family saying their goodbyes was more difficult.
He was SOOOOO nervous the night before he reported at the MTC. It was obvious that he was scared and when you asked him he didn't deny it.
We tried to do a ton of fun things in the days leading up to Mark leaving. We arrived in Provo on Sunday night so after checking in and grabbing a quick bite to eat the night was DONE. Most of Monday was spent shopping to get all of his last minute things. We did however get to spend Monday night with the Popes. We had a BLAST! The kids had so much fun with Aunties Mata and Tia during their dance contest and before we headed back to our hotel they brought out a cake for Spencer who's birthday was the following day. I could've spent my entire 4 days over at the Pope's place. It's so warm and welcoming. Aunty Isa is one amazing chic! She does it all and I just love to soak it
up!
Tuesday was FUN. Madre wanted to make sure that Mark's last full day was spent doing things that were more fun. It didn't hurt that it was also Spencey's 5th birthday. Even more reason to enjoy the time in Provo. We tried to get up for the early breakfast at the hotel that was FREE. It was a huge spread of fresh waffles, fruit, and all the fixin's. Yeah, that didn't happen. FREE is nothing compared to sleepin' in. So we missed that but had an early lunch date with Aunty Vai so it was no biggie. Before lunch we spent most of the morning at the Provo mall shopping and taking advantage of Mo's Nordy's discount. Gotta love a great deal! We also managed to stop in Build A Bear so that the kiddies could make souvenier bears. Mark found an "Elder Bear" costume so he made one of those for Hannah. Only in Utah right?!? They had a blast! After the mall we headed over to Chuck A Rama for lunch with the Latu's. It was so nice to see them. We had to rush though because Likio was going to enter to temple that afternoon and we didn't want to keep Vai too long. So after stuffin' bears and our tummies we spent some time at the nickel arcade and the kids played lazer tag. Once they ran outta nickels we headed to the hotel for playing in the snow and swimming. Crazy combo right?!?! Lucky kids! There was an indoor pool which is what made that possible.
And then it was Wednesday. Time to say goodbye. Mo spent the night at the hotel with us so that we could make another attempt at free breakfast before Mark left. Yup, we missed it again! So we opted to go to Cafe Rio instead. BEST CHOICE EVER! It was so yummy! Mark was so nervous so he barely ate, but we all grubbed! LOL Right after Cafe Rio we headed up to take pictures at the Provo Temple before saying our goodbyes. Auntie Isa, Baby Jack and Likio joined us for a few quick snapshots. Most of the pictures were on the Ogees camera so I don't have them. :-( Thank goodness Mo took my camera and got a few pictures for me. The drop off is so quick! We literally drove into a parking lot, stopped where they told us to stop and unloaded his bags. After a few quick hugs he was walking away. No time for tears!
I was so glad we had the opportunity to go to Provo and see him off. I'm sure he's going to get the hang of things quickly. We've already heard from him and so far, he's enjoying it. We had a BLAST in Provo! I would totally go back. We ended up having to drive home. URGH! THANK GOODNESS it wasn't too bad of a drive. The kids were excited to be going on a road trip. I on the other hand don't like long drives. BUT we made it home safely and that's all I could ask for.
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