Called to Serve

For several months Nate's parents have been getting everything ready to submit their paperwork to serve an LDS mission as a couple.  When they got their mission call in the mail a few weeks ago we had an impromptu family gathering so we could all be there when they opened it up!  

We were the first ones to arrive at the house and 
Mabel was really excited to jump on the trampoline.

Actually, when we got there and she stepped into the backyard she started shaking 
and saying "YAY!" because she was so excited and couldn't figure out 
what she wanted to play on first 
- trampoline? swings? slides?

Nate's mom used to teach preschool so their backyard is a dream. 

 I got on to jump with her....

and she politely sat me down and asked me to please get off. 

In other words she said, "Noooooo, miiiiiine!"

Her favorite phrase.

Flying in an airplane with daddy:

Cake and their call:

Bryan and Jenna brought this fun cake and Jenna made

their name tags:

Mabel loves cousin Jones.

Peek-a-boo with cousin Morgan:

DRUM ROLL PLEASE:

They read a few of our guesses first...

And we made sure that Brady and Becky and family in Alaska could see too:

Just a smidge excited:

Opening it together:

Laughing because they haven't even read anything yet 

and they are crying!

(now you know where Nate gets it!)

taking turns reading every other word:

and they are going to:

Alpine: German Speaking!

(parts of Germany and Switzerland, a small part of Italy, 

and all of Lichtenstein and Austria)

Rick served a mission in Germany when he was younger and 

can still speak pretty fluently in German.  Praying that Georgia

picks it up quickly!

They will be working with the young single adults there.

They leave October 28th and will be gone for 18 months.

A snuggle with the littlest grandbabies who will miss them so much!

Cute baby Emma was with us via Skype too!

Mabel was pretty excited that Grandma put two little candles in the cake 

so she could practice blowing them out. 

We love these two so much and can't wait to hear about the incredible experiences 

they will have as they serve, teach, and grow.

(We will be praying that 18 months goes by fast!)

We think Alpine, Utah sounds like a great alternative if Austria doesn't work out! :)    

(photo taken the night before Nate and I got married 8.05.04 at our wedding BBQ)