Dealing with Austin Gone!

I was a major wreck on Sunday after Austin left. Then we found out he probably won't be home until Feb. and that seems forever away to me.

I was tired of crying and being sad, when I know Austin is doing what he needs to do. So I got into a cake fight with my good friend Ali, who was also willing to dish it out.

Surprise!! Happy 18th, Erica, and Leaving Day, Austin!

Sunday, the 26th was Erica's 18th birthday so a couple of us decided to kidnap her early in morning, dress her up and take her to breakfast. Austin was suppose to be in on it, but plans changed. Erica spent the night and Austin was still sound asleep so we (Ali and Erica's friend Kelly) decided to dress them both up!

In the above picture of Erica you will see a picture of Austin, she didn't realize it was there, I thought it was cute.
Erica was a little more willing to wake up then Austin!!!

I have some great outfits from Tyler's dance recitals and of course they were a little tight on these two but they managed!
(Tyler in second grade had to dress up like his favorite character from a book. He was the wolf from, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, so that is why I have a hat with ears).

Austin looks like a sad animal!

They ended up being good sports about it. Austin felt so stupid, that is why the glasses stayed on. Do they look like they are having fun the restaurant or what?

Ali and I had fun doing this with them. What a way to start a crazy day.

These two are to cute! Just look at them, they just want to be close one another. Erica has been there for Austin in so many ways. She is one he is able to open up to about anything, and I am so grateful for her coming into his life and ours. We love having her around, and it better stay that way when Austin is in Boot Camp.

Happy Birthday, Erica!!!!

Once again a picture of these two guys--they're so close!!!

They day continues keep posted for more.........

Austin's New Life!

Austin's knowledge of the Bible and his strength in the Lord has grown so much in the past three years! He has become an amazing young man. He wanted to get baptized before he left--which made July 26th, 2009 an even more memorable day!!!

On the right of Austin in his youth leader ,Kevin. Kevin talked a few minutes about Austin and how great it is to see how far he has come in his walk with the Lord. Austin had a lot of questions and doubts at first. Through studying, prayer and faith he has become a strong christian young man.

Now for the waiting and the knock on the door:( I am not sure if Austin was posing for this picture or if he was really scared, sad, or anxious (maybe all of them).

Big hug from the kids! And the nice big bear hug from dad--Mike is so proud of Austin and is excited he gets to finally go do the one thing he has talked about since elementary school.

One more hug for Erica!

One last look:( Then is in the car. I told everyone to make silly faces as he drives away so he doesn't remember all sad faces:/

Now we wait for letters and phone calls. He has his phone for about a week until he turns it in. I will keep everyone posted of his progress:)

Austin's Celebration To His New Life's Adventure!

Saturday was our party for Austin with family and friends! We had a great time lots of people and a super hot house--we had a blast just hanging out and visiting!!!!

This is Austin's Uncle Jullian, Erica and her brother Pablo. Then Austin grandma and mom.

Uncle Hank, Aunt Carol and cousin Roxann and her family, Mike and his dad. We love this family and wish we spent more time with them!!!!!!


Baby Carson wasn't to happy with Austin (Austin's youth leader's boy).

Mike bringing everyone together to tell everyone how PROUD we are of Austin and pray.

Friends and family!!!

Dancing!

Mike's best friend from his childhood Mike Masters came up from Arizona with his family just for a few hours to visit and had to go back home early the next morning. Thank you Mike for coming it meant the world to us!!!

A little fun here and there!

Proud papa and his boy!!!!!

I love these people-our neighbors! They have done so much to help us get ready for this party and use there ovens so I didn't have to heat up mine! Caden was one of many kids catching frogs all night!

Austin's good friends for years-Steven, Mylissa and Myshelle. His friends from Middle School. And Erica and best friend Kelly.

You can never forget their CHEESEY Face!!!

At midnight we celebrated Erica because it was her 18th birthday. Austin decided to cool her off in the cooler! She then got him back with an ice cold bottle of water!

They then shared a COLD hug!!!

By 12:30 Jacob was exhausted and climbed up and this and laid down! Then came in and snuggled with Austin and Erica for a few minutes before going to bed. This picture is very hard for me, because I know these are the two people he has the hardest time leaving:_(

stay tuned for the kidnapping of these two the following morning (actually only 6 hours later) for breakfast.......