We know where he's going.

Michael completed the process of submitting his mission paperwork about 3 weeks ago. It is a long and in depth process. First they have to be interviewed by the Bishop and given an online log in and password. He then had to go online and complete a long application. It included everything from family and school history to health issues and past injuries. Wow!!! I think it took about 2 hours over the course of a couple of sessions. Thank goodness that he is generally healthy and hasn't had any major issues - remembering dates just about did me in. Luckily Michael has a mind like a steel trap and remembers every little detail. After he submitted the application and a picture we had to print out dental and doctor forms and get him appointments to have them completed. Once all that info was returned to the Bishop, Michael had another interview with the Bishop and Stake President. Once those were completed, the Stake President basically clicks a button and off it all goes to Salt Lake. Then you wait...

We had a family pool to guess where he got to go where everybody got to choose 2 countries. It was fun to tease Michael while we were guessing. We really tried to convince him he was going to Idaho where he'd have to eat potatoes everyday since he hates potatoes. :) I think in the end Madison won because she chose Brazil and Argentina to two LARGEST countries!

We knew it would take at least 2 weeks to get his call but it actually ended up taking about 3 because of the Labor Day holiday. I think I rushed to the mailbox every day for the last week to see if the envelope was in the box yet. Today ended up being the day. When everyone got home Michael opened the letter and walked away so he could read it. Then he made us guess where he would be going. The answer is the (drum roll please)...

Argentina Resistencia Mission

If you're anything like me, you'll have to get a map. I knew it was in South America but I had no idea where. The mission covers the northeastern corner of Argentina on the borders of Paraguay and Brazil. It includes 5 provinces or areas that are all a little different from each other. Here's a map. It is a little hard to read but you can see where is is in relation to the entire continent in the little picture in the top right corner.

Once Michael got his call, he was so excited. He hoped for 2 things: overseas and Spanish speaking. He got both! He called all of our family to share the good news. Now we are just waiting for his packet of info to come so we can start shopping and getting him ready.

Kentwood Football At Qwest Field

The Kentwood Football team's first game of the season was played at Qwest field. For those of you outside the Seattle area Qwest is the home field for the Seattle Seahawks. This was Jared's first Varsity game. I think Craig was VERY excited and proud (after all football is his game) that he was suiting up for it. Being able to play at Qwest was a real treat and not something very many kids get the opportunity to do. I think the entire KW fan base came to the game. Our side of the field was a sea of black. As you can see Madison and Chad love to support their team! Go #26!

Chad and his gang (Chad has the green mohawk)

Madi and her friends (4th from left)

First Day of School

Back to the grind! Today was the first day back to school for the younger three. Chad is now a senior, Jared is a sophomore, and Madi is a Freshman. It is fun to have them all at Kentwood and in the same school. Luckily seminary doesn't start until tomorrow so they all got to sleep in for another 45 minutes. I love each age and stage we go through. It's hard to believe that the second one will soon be graduating and moving on. It really seems like just yesterday I was wishing I could just have 30 seconds to myself to go to the bathroom alone. We have been blessed with great kids and each one of them brings a unique personality, special talents and gifts to our family. Here's to another good year.