Elder Uncle

It finally came...the moment we'd been anticipating for days, weeks, months...

time for Uncle Riley to open his mission call!

It's funny because he'd been watching the mailbox for days, hoping to see that big white envelope.  Instead, a neighbor brought it over and said he'd found it in his mail box and thought it might be important.  Thank goodness he remembered to bring it by...just think how awful it would have been if he'd forgotten about it and it sat on his counter for days or even weeks.  Yikes!

Riley decided to open his call on a Sunday afternoon, when more family and friends could be there.  I applaud his patience.  If it had been me, I don't know that I could've waited.  Everyone gathered outside on the front lawn; we wouldn't all fit in the house.  It's a good thing the neighbors were invited to attend, otherwise they would have been baffled by the massive congregation outside.

We took a few pictures as we waited for everyone to arrive.

Crazy that something so small, like a letter in an envelope, can affect so much!

Cute best friends.

Someday in the not-too-distant future, we hope another white envelope will arrive addressed to "Elder Jex."

The flower in Riley's pocket is from one of his cute primary kids.  Joely is going to miss Riley so much.

The crowd keeps getting bigger.

Calling everyone to attention...the grand opening is about to begin.

Riley stood up on the front porch and opened his letter.  I wish I could get the video to upload, because it was a classic, wonderful Riley moment.

Drumroll, please....

Mexico, Mexico City South!

The only disappointing thing to Riley was that he wouldn't get to leave until December 10th.  I think he'd been hoping for a much earlier departure date.  But boy, are we all excited for this chapter in Riley's life and that we get to be a part of it too.

After he finished reading the letter, it was time for lots of hugs and congratulations.

A hug for Dad

A hug for Mom

A hug for a best buddy.

Dear friends and neighbors -- the Carrs, and Carol

What surprised me most about Riley's mission call opening, (having never experienced it with a family member before) was how nervous I was about the whole thing!  I can't imagine how it will be when it's my own kids going...

Good luck, Elder Uncle Riley.  We love you!