Arrival at the MTC

"I'm ready," he said. "It's time to go, Right?" We had said our goodbyes and hugged our last hugs and got into the car. We really did have a bit more time than we needed so I instructed Zac to drive to Carterville road. Grandpa Joe's mother was a Carter and they were one of the first families in Provo. They settled the Provo river bottoms, so I pointed out the houses in that area that I had lived in and who lived where, then we drove to the MTC.



We were directed to park by the number 10 down the driveway. Zac took out his suitcases and we were met by three missionaries with the word "Host" on a label on their chests. One took his suitcases and the other two took our cameras. We had grandma's camera with us.



As soon as this picture was taken, two of the Hosts took Zac and left us alone on the sidewalk; that was FAST!

2 hours and counting . . .

Zac is packing his things, getting them all ready for his Awesome Adventure. Look how nervous he is! "Do I have all my clothing? do I have my toothbrush? All my toiletries? Am I really doing this?"



We all went to Grandma Naida's apartment to visit with her and to all say goodbye to Zac. Grandma was looking healthier than I had seen her in years! She was so happy to have another grandson go on a mission and serve the Lord. Look at how happy everyone is! Look at his beaming mother! Why am I scowling then?



OK, Elder. Let's take you to your new life!

Dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Hill

We visited Grandma and Grandpa Hill in Sandy, Utah and were invited to dinner, at this fine Italian Restaurant. Dang good food if you ask me. Notice Zac indicating that the shutter wasn't quite opened in the first picture and notice that I am in the second. A very nice man took the picture for us and those in the lobby behind us were polite enough to wait for our picture session to end.

We went back to Grandpa's place and had a good conversation with my brother John and his wife. I am very happy with him.

Visiting Jared's family

We drove from Duchene to Eagle Mountain to visit Zac's oldest brother, Jared and his family. We drove into the parking lot and were visited by Makkenna, my first grandchild. She is such a sweetie. She took us up and made us feel welcomed. She got a new dog while we were there so we were entertained by the dominance displays of the cats and this little Chihuahua.


Jared served a mission eight years prior to this post and was a very effective and excelent missionary. He gave Zac, and us, an hour's lecture, but because of he interruptions of the others in the room (me and Amber) it took much longer. From that afternoon to later after the next post. Jared assisted me in giving Zac a father's blessing. Then we continued with Jared's lecture. What great advice he gave his little brother. And what sweet spirit was brought by Amber. We played Yoda for the rest of the evening.



My Nephew Scott was excited to hear his cousin, Zac, was headed for a life changing experience. He came to visit and they decided to continue to visit Jared now that they knew how close they lived! Cute wife and cute babie! I was happy to meet them after reading their blog.

trip to Duchene

The last night of our stay in Denver, Zac slept on the floor of our hotel room so we could leave more quickly for Duchene, Utah, the home of my stepfather that Zac hadn't seen in years. On the way, Zac was fascinated by the massive amounts of water, rivers and streams. Being from the desert, he could scarcely believe how much water there was. And the wildlife! We counted deer, squirels and birds. We almost hit one deer! But finally, we made it to Grandpa Joe's.



Grandpa Joe, Me, Mom, Zac and Grandma Marelda.

Playing with Erin

Uncle Zac was a big hit with Erin. She learned to go down the slide for the first time when her mom practically forced her down. She screamed for the first two and a half inches then cried weeeeee! the rest of the way. She insisted that her mom take her time after time, but mom was tired, so grandpa took her once. But, ZAC! our hero! took her as often as she wanted.

Blessing Patrick

While we were in Denver visiting Brittanie and Matt, we went to a friend of Matt's to bless Patrick who is now 4 months old. From Left to Right: Patrick's grandfather (Pat Cannady), Zac, Me, Matt (holding Patrick) James Canady (Patrick's uncle), a friend of Matt's who was the son-in-law of the owner of the house and a member of the patrick's bishopric.



These are all of the members of Matt and Brittanie's families. Notice that the Hill's are in front; we are much shorter than the Cannadys.