Happy Birthday Shiley!  This is my beautiful girl at Utah State University in Logan- go aggies!!  We did a tour with Shiley when we were up North.  She loves USU and plans on going there after she graduates in 2 years....... she's such a planner!  We had a lot of fun with her that day, but can't believe how fast time is flying!  She will be in college before we know it.  Love you so much Shi- Shi you have always been a fun girl and my best friend!!  Your future is bright!

 These are pictures Elder Blackwell sent from the MTC.  This is an outing over to the Provo temple.  This is Elder Leavitt and Sister Christensen with Brodey.  Her dad was the mission president in Las Vegas and Brodey went with the priests a couple of years ago to meet with the president and his family.

 Elder Blackwell's initiation as zone leader!! 

 Moapa Valley Elders at the MTC!!  The most handsome elders there!! :)

 After we dropped off Brodey at the MTC we went and stayed with the Butlers for a few days to rest and recoup!  Talley sobbed the whole way there after dropping off Brodey, then Rowdey started too, so by the time we arrived at the Butlers we were pretty red faced and swollen eyed!
 We had a great day at the Hogle Zoo!  We loved the bird show the best, and Wendy and I were pretty sure the birds were headed right for our faces, so we ducked down quite a few times! 

 Shiley had to have a picture with the giraffes since they are her favorite animal!  There was a baby giraffe there too, but we didn't get him in the picture. :(

 Talley and Makenzee really wanted to go over to Heritage Park, so we did, anything to make the girls happy :)  It is beautiful there and very fun.  They really enjoyed panning for gold and I'm pretty sure they struck it rich!

Jon and Rowdey got to fulfill one of Rowdey's bucket list goals and went to help pit for the Coastal Drilling Team on the Vegas to Reno Desert race.  The race team didn't finish first, but they did finish!!  It was a wild ride!!!

 Shiley went on a birthday date with her dad over to Samurai 21 to eat sushi.  She did have to drive to get more hours in so she can take her driving test soon!!  Dad's telling Shiley faster, faster and Shiley thinks she's going plenty fast!  60 mph on the freeway is ok right?  Just kiddin Shi!! :)

 Flaming onion!

 Kima has ninja skills!

 Jon eating with chopsticks, Shiley says she will stick with a fork, thank you very much!

We had a girls night for Shiley's birthday.  We went to Texas Roadhouse and had a great birthday time!  Talley and Madalynn were very infatuated by our waiter's big, buff arms!  That's scary....they're 9!

HAPPY 16TH BIRTHDAY SHILEY! WE LOVE YOU

                             See you in 2 Elder Blackwell!!!

 Wednesday, August 7th 2013 Brodey entered the Missionary Training Center, but we first had to say bye to some fam!  Brodey has had many mentors the past 18 years these are just a few!

 Brodey, Gramps & Grandma           Ian and Kacee

 Josh, Tiff and Brodey

 Brodey with Grammy and Papa at St. George

 Stopped in at Marysvale to say bye to Grandma Great!

 We stayed the night at Uncle Jerry's and Aunt Becky's!  Thanks!!

 Rowdey giving his big brother some last minute advice!  I think it consisted of "please just put me in your suitcase and take me with you,  don't leave me with the sisters!!!!"

 I am so happy and proud of my boy, who isn't a boy anymore!  What an amazing man he is and what a tremendous missionary I know he will be!  "Forget yourself and go to work" son!!

Father and son!  I don't know what words of advice Jon gave Brodey, but I know Brodey's words of advice to his dad were, "leave my guns and tools alone!"  Hmmmm really not that much control over what goes on here while he's out serving the Lord!!!

 This month Jon and I will be celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary!  Just look what can happen after 21 years of marriage!  Wow!  As you can see Talley is having a very difficult time with sending her big brother out into the world for 2 whole years.  She told me today she is not going to be a mormon anymore, she is leaving the church unless they send her brother back home.  I tried to explain to her that it was Brodey's choice to serve a mission the church wasn't holding him hostage!  She's not convinced yet, hopefully she will be able to see the benefits of sacrifice and service over the next 2 years, and hopefully she comes back into the fold!!!!

 Jon and I both commented on how Brodey started really giving hugs the week before he left us.  He has been famous the last, probably 10 years, for giving "air hugs" or us forcing a hug upon him!  He really started hugging us for this week and I have to say it was very, very nice!!  I think I will always remember his strong crushing hugs he gave me!!  He didn't let go either, he let me hug him as long as I wanted!!!

 James was entering the MTC an hour behind Brodey, so he was at the temple too.  These two have been working together over the last few months preparing to leave on their missions.  It has been so fun to watch them grow together and prepare to serve!  Elder Leavitt and Elder Blackwell, the people of Ohio and Colorado are blessed to have such fine missionaries coming their way!!!

 Colton will be joining the missionary force in a few months.  He is always a supportive and good friend!  Thanks Colton.

 Shiley captured this sweet moment between brothers!  I just love this picture.  Rowdey has always looked up to his big brother and what finer example could he have!!!

The Blackwell family!  All of us together!  We are all so proud of our son and brother!  What a magnificent example he is to all of us.  We are so grateful he is part of our family!

There he goes, Elder Brodey Jonathan Blackwell!  He didn't even look back, press forward with faith!