Don't Mess With Texas...

...because Elder Garner will be taking care of business! 

This handsome guy is my little brother, and he's going on a mission. He's been called to serve in the Lubbock, Texas mission. He reports to the MTC next week. I'm so proud of him! I can't wait for he and I to be pen pals.

We went to Utah for the farewell. Taylor gave an amazing talk in church and shared his powerful testimony. I'm excited for the people of Texas to hear it soon. 

The Texas flag was well represented at the post-farewell brunch.

It looks like Cameron has a giant tooth, but really it's just a sweet tooth - he wanted to sample the yummy french toast casserole.

Tay loves his momma.

The kids and I stayed for a few days afterward and had fun soaking up some family time. Our favorite adventure was our visit to This is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. This park is awesome! We spent tons of time looking around and playing.

Shelby picked the "caboosey" of the train.

Cute boys.

Shelby did laundry here, but I still haven't put her in charge of ours back home. Maybe she's ready...

Picking apples.

At the schoolhouse for some book learnin'.

Grandpa helped Shelby peek at the new foal.

She got to feed him, too.

Shelby got to go on a pony ride all by herself...they put her on the saddle and got the horse moving. She wasn't strapped in!

She did well until flies started buzzing around her legs - she stared leaning back and forth to get away. Some close calls, but she didn't slip off!

Then we got to milk a pretend cow.

Shelby taught grandpa all about panning for gold. We got to trade in our 11-piece haul at the bank for some candy!

We had fun doing war whoops in the teepee.

Then Shelby gave an exclusive onstage performance.

You're going to be amazing, Elder Garner. You have so much to share and such an eloquent way of sharing it. Go make some people happy!

 

Taylor, we love you!