Saying goodbye to Robert

Saying good bye to Robert was so hard.  It was hard with all of my children, but for some reason this was very hard.  I don't know if it is because we had such a fun last month together with him home before his mission, or if it is because he is my youngest, or if it is because he has looked forward to this for so long ...

We packed up the night before (like until 1:00 am) and still had to leave the house around 4:35 am because he had such an early flight (6:00 am).  Before leaving the house, Robert's friend, Max Sanders came over to go with us to the airport to say goodbye.  He followed us there.

There were no complications with Robert's ticket, next stop is security.  This is where we had to say goodbye to him.  I really didn't want to let go.  It was so touching and heartfelt.  I love Robert so much.  He is my youngest (my baby - although he's not a baby anymore).

We had our hugs, and kisses (and photos) ... and then he was off to the security line.  We stayed and talked to him while he walked through the line.  Then it was really GOOD BYE.  NOOO!!!!  But YES.  He had to go, I had to let him go.

We watched as he made it through security - he looked back and waved a few times and then we couldn't see him any more.  HE was gone.  HE will not be back for two years.  I'm so glad Max got to be there to say good-bye too.  Robert and Max became very close during the summer.  Max is a great guy and a great friend.  It was nice to share this experience with him.

Although I have tears in my eyes, I know he is fulfilling a dream - a dream that is now coming true!  I am so happy for that dream and for his desire to fulfill it.  He loves his family, he loves the Lord and he will be an amazing missionary.

Max and Robert on the way to the airport

Mom and Dad saying goodbye to Robert

Max and Robert - best buds

All ready

 Once Robert arrived in SLC Marissa picked him up and treated him to lunch at Cheesecake Factory... his favorite.  The also went to the SLC temple, and then down to BYU.

At the SLC Temple

best buds

Robert ran into a friend from freshman year

Missionary ready!!!

The best part of Cheesecake Factory is the Adam's peanut butter cheesecake!

At Cheesecake Factory

 That night Robert stayed the night with Jessica and Tate.  They went to Cafe Rio as his goodbye lunch as a group.  They actually ended up being a little late to the MTC, but it was okay.

All together!!!

Saying good bye in the MTC Parking lot

The host taking Robert to the MTC