Amber's trip

This week Jeff took Amber and Jacob on a church history trip. They basically did the same trip that Jeff did last year with Laurin except this year they stopped in Kirtland, Ohio and bypassed Adam-ondi-ahman. Jeff had so much fun re-connecting with Amber. Several times he would mention how much he had forgotten this or that about Amber (mostly in reference to how funny she can be). I have really enjoyed how much Amber has still been present during this year she has been at school, but I admit that, at times, I have missed having her home more. I am grateful that I have been able to develop a relationship with Amber. I am grateful for her willingness to open her heart and her life to a strange woman who assumed a role that Amber never thought would be taken by any other woman other than the woman that bore her.  I am grateful for Amber's example to her younger brothers. They have noticed how she has painstakingly prepared for her mission. They have seen the changes (big and small) she has made as she has grown over the last year. We are so excited for her to experience life as a full-time missionary in Spain. Yet, I have to admit there have been several moments over the last week when I've been a little choked up thinking about saying good-bye on Monday. She is going to do amazing things. She is going to have her most transformative year and a half of her life. I love the woman she is and am looking forward to the amazing woman she is going to become. I'm glad Jeff and Amber (and Jacob) had such a fun trip. Here are just a few pictures they actually remembered to take.

Jacob saw a "pillar of light" in the Sacred Grove.

Amber

Jacob and Amber

"I love to see the temple..." Palmyra temple

Jacob and Amber at the Hill Cumorah.

Niagara Falls

Kirtland Temple

Liberty Jail

Like father, like...Jeff and Jacob watching the game while Amber secretly snaps this pic. Silly boys!