For Mal and Mike...

He's gone. As of 1:15 yesterday afternoon, Greg's darling baby brother is now an "Elder" and the MTC in Provo is enjoying the Matt Phillips show we've all enjoyed for the last 19 years. (Okay, not all of us have known him for 19 years, but close enough.)

This post is lovingly dedicated to Mike and Mal, who happen to be living the high-life on the other side of country and missed the festivities. It was a perfect day: A teary Matt gave a wonderful talk, the chapel was filled with lovely ladies who are hopefully now home baking cookies and writing spiritual epistles in hopes of impressing the handsome Elder, the food was FABULOUS, the company couldn't have been better, and it only dumped about a foot and a half of snow the morning of his non-farewell. Yes, it was all great.

La Casa de Phillips was overflowing and many of Matt's guests ate quickly and left before I had a chance to get pictures, so here's who was left when I finally busted out the camera.

First things first: Miss Abby-Cakes. She's missing her bow and a shoe, but at least she has Grandma's scriptures. :)

Cute Cousin Adrianne and Baby Jack. Abby and Jack are only 12 days apart, so it was really fun for Ady and I to chat and watch them play together.

A portion of the dashing Darke family.

Uncle Gary and his two darling daughters.

Garrett giving Uncle Gary a big squeeze.

The Man of the Hour himself with sweet Aunt Rosalyn.

A precious picture of Grandpa and Grandma Riddle. So sweet!

Speaking of sweet....

Notice Aunt Diane's weepy eyes...bless her heart. :)

I love this picture of Greg with his Grandpa. Undoubtedly sharing hunting stories...what else would you talk about with Grandpa Riddle?

Cousin Amy and Matt. Notice her teary eyes as well...she must get it from her mom.

Eric and Cute Gini.

Grandpa Willy and a sleepy-looking Abby.

The G-Man and the Elder.

Josh with his lovely lady, Becca.

I love this picture of Greg's cousin, Isaac. Check out that smile.

Grayson, Shannon, Miles, Carla. We were so thrilled when Shannon told us she is expecting a baby girl this Spring. You can't tell in this picture, but she has the cutest little baby bump! YAY!!!
Awesome picture of the missionary with his parents. At least you can always count on Jan to smile and look nice in a picture.

Speaking of cute pregnant gals, here's Cathy! She said absolutely no belly pics. At least she has a lovely face!

As things were winding down, Garrett settled in to watch his new favorite movie, "Bednobs and Broomsticks." (Garrett is obsessed with witches to the point that it's getting embarassing/disturbing. Okay, that's slightly exaggerated, but it's pretty funny. More to come on that in a later post.)

Garrett wanted me to "way" by him, and I was more than thrilled to oblige. The night before had been a rough one with a teething (or something) Abby and I honestly don't think I could have gotten more than 3 hours of sleep. I was out before my head even hit the pillow. Thanks to Greg for taking such lovely pictures of the little man with his Sleeping Beauty (or "Mrs. Beauty" as Garrett would say). Have I ever mentioned how much I love being the #1 girl in Garrett's heart? He'll discover there's better options out there soon enough, so I'm trying to enjoy every moment.

Here's a few more sleepyheads...

Matt was "set-apart" as full-time missionary on Tuesday night. Here he is with Bishop Albertson and President Call.

The night before a missionary leaves is always so bittersweet. Laughing one minute, crying the next. Poor Garrett didn't know what to think about it and was quite concerned. Whenever Matt got teary, Garrett would give him a big hug and say, " It's okay, Matt." Super sweet. It was also really sweet when Matt asked Garrett if he wanted to be a missionary. His response: "No, I'm good."

Abby was just happy to be there. (Mal, this picture is for you. Check out her little boots. Totally ridiculous, but oh-so-cute!)
This fine couple has now sent off FIVE missionaries. WOW! (Matt says they saved the best for last. Naturally, I'm inclined to think they hit the jackpot on the first one, but Matt is a close second. ) :)

I was really hoping to get a good picture of Matt with the kiddos, but forgot about it until they were in their jammies and totally beat. This is the best we got. Oh well.

It's so crazy to think that Garrett will almost be 5 and Abby will be Garrett's age when Matt "returns from his mission in glory." (Name that movie, anyone???)

And there you have it. Unfortunately, Greg had a project going at work he really needed to be home for on Wednesday, so we had to come home and miss the Brick Oven lunch/kick the Elder off at the MTC curb experience.

Maybe next time...which will be Garrett in about 16.5 years...WAAAHHHH!!!