So when Monday morning came along, we were all pretty much laughed, cried, and hugged out. Today was more logistics, he was all packed, had his passport in hand, and with several quick hugs, we sent him off. I have since said that a mother has no idea what it's like to send off their son or daughter until they actually do it (kind of like childbirth). It's just nothing you know, or imagine, or can expect, until it actually happens. And we learn a little more about sacrifice. It's just this totally unique experience. It's difficult, but for sure, still a gift.
We took A.J. to London Heathrow Monday morning. It was going to be a pretty early morning, so Sunday evening was our real good-bye. We Spend Sunday evening around the table sharing our favorite A.J. stories and memories with one another. We talked about his talents and his gifts, we laughed about silly experiences, and we cried a lot. It really was a super amazing evening. No doubt, this will be a Tucker tradition now, this will be how we send off our missionaries. And we do look forward to sending off many missionaries! So when Monday morning came along, we were all pretty much laughed, cried, and hugged out. Today was more logistics, he was all packed, had his passport in hand, and with several quick hugs, we sent him off. I have since said that a mother has no idea what it's like to send off their son or daughter until they actually do it (kind of like childbirth). It's just nothing you know, or imagine, or can expect, until it actually happens. And we learn a little more about sacrifice. It's just this totally unique experience. It's difficult, but for sure, still a gift.
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These kids can be so annoying. We went all around London with the missionaries who were given permission to do a little sight-seeing on their P-Day. Sort of funny that the Americans are the ones that gave them their tour. Sometimes our kids (lots of times our kids) aren't so excited to walk all over town and look at old buildings. Lots of our day trips began with a lot of convincing the kids that it would be a good trip. I think, in retrospect, they are grateful for the gentle nudge each day, to go out and see the world!
We LOVE this kid. He is just so much fun. We are so happy to have him in our family! EVERYTHING IS AWESOME! He loves the song, loves the movie, and now he loves his new Lego Movie Lego set.
FAMILY HOME EVENING in the CITY!!! Just a last quick jaunt into the city before A.J. leaves on his mission. We met Jason at Covent Garden for gelato at the Gelatorino with our frequent shopper punch card, and we walked from there to Southbank. Janae didn't even put on trousers, went into the city in her PJs. How many people can say that, I guess?
A.J. had his Board of Review via Skype Conference from London to Texas! HE PASSED! We are so excited for him!!!
Jason and I tag-teamed this event! I took Dallin and Jaxon to Legoland in Windsor, and Jason took the big kids to Thorpe Park. It was a great day for all. Jason loved driving the little Lego cars, and from the looks of it, the big kids enjoyed getting wet. Totally exhausted by the end of it all. That's how the end of most of our days in London were (kids asleep on the way home)!
I don't know what to say? These two have become very close over that past two years. Living abroad has really given these teens a different sort of social experience. I think in the USA these two would have been pulled in different directions by their different groups of friends. But here, friends have been few and certainly not the center of their lives. So instead, these two have one STRONG bond! They have each other!!! And they are often up late at night hanging out and talking. What a gift it has been. On the flip side, I know Janae is REALLY going to miss her big brother these next two years. We ALL will! Look how CUTE he is!!! |
Julie Tucker
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