the monson's: this past weekend

this past weekend was a very busy one. quin and i drove over one thousand miles. yep...i even added it all up because i think we were on the road more than we were anywhere else. it was a fun weekend, however, and the things we did were much needed.

we first left friday at about six in the morning. i got off work early so that we could leave in time. good thing quin is such a good and patient driver because i was able to sleep the whole way on the drive. such a dandy man. we left and headed up to logan, utah to one of our friends weddings. we never quite make it up to logan ever so it was a fun excuse to head up and see all these pretty changing leaves that everyone keeps talking about. we made it to the temple, changed our clothes in the parking lot, and headed inside to witness a forever union between two of our friends. they both looked beautiful and were so happy. the temple sealer did a fabulous job. he spoke directly to the bride and groom and stood right in front of them as he gave the most uplifting, spiritual council. he seriously blew me away. it was such a great experience. we couldn't me more happy for kyle and morgan.

after the temple, we headed over to their luncheon and indulged in some yummy mexican food, chatted it up with old and new friends, and watched a hilarious video of the now mr. and mrs. pratt. we highly enjoyed ourselves and were very happy to have been there to share in all the happiness.

once the luncheon was over, quin and i wanted to drive up the canyon and get some pictures of the gorgeous fall colored leaves. we brought my tripod and set the self-timer, and had ourselves a nice little photography session. we found the best spot to take some pictures at. who needs a professional photographer when you got a tripod and camera with a self timer?! they didn't quite all turn out great but what we got was good enough for us. i'll have to put those in a separate post.

we made it to quin's parents house that evening and enjoyed spending time with parentals at home. they are always so welcoming and we never want to leave when we get there.

the next morning we woke up, ate some breakfast, and after a quick stop at costco, headed on our way to nevada. my little brothers farewell talk was on sunday so we had to make it for that. we made it to hiko that evening and, again, had ourselves a little family photography session. another post...

sunday was the day that we thought would never come. chase has had his mission call since june. when we think back to that time, we thought october was so far out. now it is here and i can't help but think that time just went way to quickly. chase did an amazing job on his talk. everyone came up to him and told him that he sounded like he had already been on his mission. usually elders are awkward prior to the mission and sound all-spiritual when they return but not chase. he sounded like his mission was a thing of the past. he seriously blew everyone away. my older brother, brett, spoke as well and also did amazing. the spirit was definitely strong that day. we had so many family members come to support chase and had an awesome day.

we will seriously miss chase so much as he goes and serves the lord these next two years but we are so excited for him to embark on this little adventure. he goes into the mtc today and we are a little bummed we couldn't make it up. we both had to work and couldn't get the days off. my parents and chase stopped by on their way up to provo yesterday to say goodbye. chase seemed so excited to get on his way. he is definitely prepared! i didn't start crying until after they left. and then...i couldn't stop. i don't know what got into me. i went to the gym before work and that took my mind off of it for that hour. then i got home, started getting ready for work, and once again, the water works started. i couldn't even put my makeup on because i kept crying it off as i was putting it on. mascara wasn't even attempted because my eyelashes were too wet. yeah, i was a hot mess. don't even ask about when i got to work. the first person to see me asked if i was okay. nope. more tears. yeah, it was a rough couple hours. i'm a boob. it has subsided now though. i have almost made it through my whole shift without anymore tears. (i may have teared up a little as i was writing this). but along with the tears comes my happiness for chase. i couldn't be more happy for him and the decision he has made to go on a mission. i sent him a text after i couldn't stop crying. yeah, it's a little mushy but i wanted to put down what he said back so that i always have it. he's a stud. seriously.

my text to him (with a picture of him and his beloved dog):

So I have pretty much been crying since you left. Minus the hour at the gym. I didn't think it would hit me yet but I just wanted to say your the best little brother out there. You are going to be an awesome missionary and I am so excited to hear about your experiences out there. You have such a strong testimony and I know you're going to be great. I'm going to miss you though. Sorry for being such a nag while you lived with us but I loved every second of you being here. I'm gonna miss your messes! Love you so much!! And I better hear from you every week! You're the best. And here is your pic with Baylor just for fun :)

his text back to me:

I dont even know what to say. All I can say is you have been the greatest example to me. You have shown me how to live and to enjoy life. Idk if u can call it nagging ha but u definitely have helped me prepare for my mission and for whatever lies ahead of me. You listened and helped me and You are so wise and loving and you are gonna be such a great mom with ur own children! I'm so excited for u and Quin and these next couple years ahead of you guys.. I honestly cannot thank you enough Dani for you just being you and me learning by seeing what An amazing older sister you are! I love you so much! Thank you for the picture I smiled pretty big:) I love you! I can't wait to tell you all about my mission- take care and God bless you sis!;)

like i said...stud. i know he is going to do awesome out there in west virginia. its no crazy foreign place, but he got called there for a reason and i think the people out there, however hickish they may be, are ready for someone like chase to teach them. he will do amazing! anyways, sorry about the mush. it was necessary though.

logan temple