Breakfast with Jessica before School

A tradition started in August of 2011 when Jessica left for college that very first time.  Since the younger children had to go to school, Marissa a freshman, Devon a junior and Robert in 7th grade we kept Devon and Marissa from Seminary and took Jessica out for a "good-bye breakfast."  It wasn't anything fancy because we didn't have time for "fancy."  We went to McDonalds - our traditional morning breakfast place if we are traveling (because there is something for everyone) around 7:15.  That became a tradition for the next year and now ... this time too ...

This morning we had Devon and Marissa skip Seminary in order to have one last moment with their sister at breakfast.  We went to McDonalds at 7:15, ate and then the younger kids had a chance to say "good-bye."  I think it is going to be hard on them as they know she is leaving for such a long time - this isn't like she will be back in a few months for Christmas, she will be gone 18 months.  She will miss the next year and a half of their lives.

Devon, Marissa and Robert loaded into Devon's car and headed out to school after the good-bye's while Mark, Betsy and Jessica headed home to do the final packing and cleaning before taking Jessica to the airport.

Daddy just said good bye

Saying good bye to Devon

Precious

I wonder what they said

Marissa will Miss Jessica very much

Bear Hugs 

Robert will miss Jessica very much