and she's off...

Well folks, it's official: Kaley is safely sequestered in the MTC for the next 9 weeks. And after that (in case you've been living under a rock (just kidding)), she's headed out to the California Carlsbad mission (Spanish Speaking).

"Hola! I'm Hermana Weight. You can call me Hermana."

The pre-MTC lunch seems to be a big tradition around here. We weren't brave enough to attempt a sit-down meal in a real restaurant with just Kaley and me and my four midget punks-- I mean, angels.

So we settled for Cafe Rio takeout consumed in the lovely confines of the Silver Bullet.

Casual, but delicious.

Then we headed up to the MTC, (actually, a nearby street) for pictures and hugs...

...and kisses. Jack doesn't actually get what's happened yet, but he is really going to miss Kaley.

more pictures...

(that "sticker" on Lincoln's nose is actually a band-aid-- more on that in another post)

... last minute phone calls to the Indiana fam...

... some tears (she is a Weight woman, after all)...

...more pictures...

Notice the ever sensitive and compassionate Alex at the left.
(Totally kidding, Al. You know we love you, right?)

...and one final picture of the Utah Sisters inside the gates of the MTC.

Having Kaley with us for the past 6 months has been nothing short of a blessing for our family. She was an incredible help through the last few months of my pregnancy with Stella, helped to smooth the transition of the newborn stage, and eased us through the upheaval of Joe's calling to serve as bishop. The boys adore her and I'm so thankful for the time we've had to strengthen our friendship.

We are going to miss her. Like crazy.

But we couldn't be more proud of her decision to serve the Lord and the people of Carlsbad as a missionary for the next 18 months. (and grateful for her example to our sons-- who are now looking forward to their missions)


If you know Kaley and would like to send her a letter or a package (she'd love it!), email me and I'll send you her contact info.