The summer stretched before us when Max got his mission call back in April. September seemed so far away. But the last few weeks sped up.
On July 27, he turned 18.
He's stayed busy all summer, painting houses and washing windows and mowing lawns. He's also been spending time with friends before they leave on missions. But JB and I have both also been trying to spend time with him. JB has been golfing, and playing tennis and pickleball with him.
I brought him as a guest to BYU Education Week where he came with me to the media area.
On Aug. 30, he received the Melchizedek Priesthood, and on Tuesday, Aug. 1, he went through the Bountiful Temple for his endowment. We had a lot of family members there and it was so inspiring and comforting for me.
He has been back to the temple to do sessions many times since then, sometimes with us, sometimes with friends.
On Sunday morning, Sept. 10, he reported to our stake high council and he talked about how he and his friends, Colin and Andy, had made it a goal in the spring when they were preparing their mission papers that they would go to the temple once a week. How grateful I am for these two friends. Andy is now serving in California and Colin is heading to Argentina soon. This is before Andy left.
And this was Sunday morning with our stake president.
Then on Sunday, Max gave his farewell talk in sacrament meeting and he spoke about God's love. We were so thankful for all the family and friends and neighbors who came to hear him and support him. So many people who have been there since he was a baby! And many thanks to those who brought food and helped dish and clean up.
JB and I grabbed some photos when we remembered. Here he is with cousins Emily and Jane and Jack.
With a bunch of his friends from Highland High.
With our dear dear friends, Linda and Jeanine (Linda is his best friend Andy's mom, and Jeanine was his tennis coach. She changed his life!)
With JB's sister Sarah's family, who came from Idaho.
With a dear Young Men's leader and longtime friend Tim.
With my brother Peter's family.
With sweet sweet Jill, who taught him in Primary.
Cousins Millie and Millie and Kaylee being silly as they eat under a table.
Trying to get cute cousin Lou to smile for the camera.
Then Sunday evening, our stake president set him apart as a full-time missionary in our home.
This morning he starts his classes and studies with the home missionary training program, and next week, he enters the Provo MTC!
