Saying Good-Bye

Jan 10, 2011 - After Christmas, Jeff was trying to squeeze in just about every activity you can imagine before he left on his mission. That included going snowboarding and he ended up breaking his arm! There was some question as to if he could leave as planned on January 11th and the answer seemed to keep changing. The Dr seemed to think he would be able to leave without a problem, so he kept to his original plan and went to the Bountiful Temple on January 5th. That weekend, he heard that he would probably be delayed a week, and possibly two since he still needed to have an x-ray done. On Monday afternoon (Jan 9th), only TWO days before he was scheduled to leave, he finally got a phone call that cleared him to go on the 11th as planned! I think it was a huge relief for everyone, but also caused some stress to get everything ready to go.

The night before he left, we had a family dinner at Famous Dave's.
The fam The other side of the table... We are too big to fit into one shot! And Aaron came with us, too. He is pretty much family! Jeff and Princess Rylee - I don't think Jeff ate anything! He said he was too nervous!

After dinner, we hurried to the Stake Center and were able to see Jeff get set apart. It was really emotional for all of us, but he was given a great blessing and was able to share his testimony with everyone there. (Our whole family was able to be there, along with Aaron, Grandma's, and Bishop and Sister Butts.) After his setting apart, some of Jeff's friends came over to say good-bye and stayed until pretty late. He has some great friends who he will really miss!

 Collin

 Corey

 Corey and Collin

 Colton

 Blake

Colton and Blake
The next morning, it was time to get packing!!! We had to figure out a way to get everything into those suitcases and make sure he didn't forget anything important. Then it was time for a few pictures and to say good-bye to Elder Boman since not all of us could travel to the MTC. It was hard to say good-bye but we know he is doing the right thing and in the right place! Jeff with Mom and DadThe brothers- Dean, Jeff, Brad and Kyle
Jeff with Brooke and her familyJeff with Heather and Ethan
Jeff with Logan, Avery and Rylee - They are sure going to miss their Uncle Jeff! He is such a great Uncle!!! They will love writing him letters and they pray for him every night. They are so proud of him and we are grateful for his example! Jeff and Logan
Avery telling Uncle Jeff a story
Hugs good-bye