Lauras Mission Isnt She Lovely?!

So my girl Laura has finally turned 19. Was there a big celebration, not really cause that is not how we roll around here. I can say it was a pretty special day as her papers had been submitted to go on her mission.

I know i probably post this photo every year but its one of my all time favorites. Isnt She Lovely? Stevie Wonder sings a song about his sweet daughter when she was born, as a coincidence i heard the song not many days after Laura was born. Now every time i hear the song i am reminded of how wonderful she is. She was amazing as a baby, got shy and stubborn as she grew but now she is confident and wonderful in who she is. 

I mean look at that amazing girl, ok ok woman. Rachelle is an amazing photographer, she caught Laura at just the right time to catch her personality. She has spent the last 4 years earning her money to go on this mission. Within the time she also got to go to England/Scotland to visit family. I am so proud of her determination to get to the end of one race and move to another. 

Her birthday she wanted Dirt Cake of course....and steak and cheese sammies. 

Axel and Grandpappy got to have their own bowl of dirt cake. He was one excited boy....Axel i mean

of course anytime you get your own dirt cake you hoard it so nobody else can have it

I know they are sharks but there are worms in there as well, she wanted them both

We ended up taking Axel to Church with us that day and having him hang out with us for a while. His mum and dad were not feeling too great. It was nice to have him around for the food and festivities. 

That morning before food.....Laura opened her mission call. She is going to the Everett Washington mission. She was very excited to be close to the ocean, if she gets to be......

not sure if you can tell but she is in the top quarter of Washington state. Should be an exciting adventure for her. This is not the best map either. you can google it if you want to take a closer look....anyway, with this revelation now comes the part i hate the most, buying everything she needs. Our family has always been very thrifty, not just because....but out of necessity. Laura and i went out last weekend to look and hopefully get all of the clothing, shoes, personal items, mission bag, scriptures...whatever you can think of so she wouldnt have to worry about cramming it all in before she leaves. She is scheduled to arrive at the MTC on April 3rd, so plane ticket was first priority. Good thing the Church has a system for tickets to get them to SLC, Ut and from there a shuttle to Provo where the MTC is. So that is all figured out. That was a load off but for me a finality to her leaving. I worry about her but i know she is going to be great. My kids are all so close, its going to be strange to not have one of them around. 

I am super proud of her, i think dropping her at the airport will be the toughest for me. For the others we shall see what happens. I know a few people will be sad as she is such a good cook, all her baking will be missed. She has grown out of her shyness into a strong young woman. I think a mission will be great for her, it will make her really work on her personality more and find ways to work better with others. She will learn so much, we will be here routing her on cause i personally think she is the Loveliest girl ever.....