Elder Brayden Jolley

Saturday, October 22, 2011

To the MTC

Well, here we were (again... seems like we just took Ryan to the MTC!?!).

The day had come... Wednesday, October 19, 2011. What a beautiful fall day!

We had a great morning. Such a calm and peaceful spirit. We enjoyed a yummy french toast breakfast, as per Brayden's request.

We got things gathered together and after a few family photos, were on our way.

Brayden was to report to the MTC at 12:55 p.m.

As we arrived and started our decent into the MTC "drop off" area, we were greeted by many helpers and elders. There is such a wonderful, happy spirit of welcoming at the MTC. A couple of elders helped Brayden unload his luggage. We gave our hugs and love and he was off.

Ready to go and serve.

Being set apart

Brayden was set apart on Tuesday night, October 18, 2011. Our immediate family along with a few Aunt and Uncles, Bishop Davis, a few of Brayden's close friends and Stake President Bangerter and President Glade gathered to share in this special evening. President Bangerter gave each of us the opportunity to share and express our love, testimonies and feelings to Brayden. The spirit was very strong and the room was filled with lots of love and emotion.

President Bangerter then set Brayden apart as a missionary and offered him a beautiful blessing. Brayden then had the opportunity to share his feelings and testimony. What a powerful testimony he bore of our Savior Jesus Christ. Brayden will be a wonderful, humble missionary... and you could feel it!

Brayden with (Aunt & Uncle) Cherie and Jeff Campbell

Jake Wright, Brayden, and Zach Newman

Tanner Jensen and Brayden

Brothers

Draya and Brayden

Brayden with Kendyl

Brayden with his Dad and Mom

We carried on our tradition from when Ryan left of having a family "camp out" down in the family room. Again, being altogether as a family, sharing our last bit of time before Brayden was to leave the next day!

Such a fun and cherished time and memory!

Wrapping things up and good-byes... for now

The last few days to wrap things up. Brayden was very well prepared and only need to figure out how to get everything he needs for two-years into 3 pieces of luggage (and yes, we did get it all in!). We also were able to attend our Stake Conference in which we were privileged in having Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve and Elder Gary Doxey of the Seventy attend. This month of October truly has been a spiritual and uplifting feast for us.

After finishing up his packing, Brayden spent Tuesday afternoon (October 18th) saying good-bye to family and friends...

Brayden and Megan Jackson

Jessica Walker and Brayden

Cousin Clare and Calvin, Brayden and Aunt Jill

Cousins Tanner, Ty Brayden, cousins Allie and Kylee
(missing Haley in the picture, she was at gymnastics)

Ali Reilley and Brayden

Our Last Family Hoorah

After a wonderful "farewell meeting" weekend, we took a few days in the sunny, warm state of Nevada to enjoy some final family time. It was nice and relaxing and great to have that extra time to enjoy being together.

Brayden's Aunt Kelly and her family live in Las Vegas.
They were able to come meet up with us for a day to play.

Bradyen, Aunt Kelly and Mom

Andraya, Bentley, Skyler, Trey, Kendyl and Natalia

Fun family time together

A last good-bye with the Pias

Kendyl, Andraya, Skyler and Brayden

On our way home, we stayed in St. George with Brayden's grandparents.
We loved visiting and being together with them too.

The time away went by much too quick!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Brayden's Farewell

Sunday, October 9th. Brayden's mission farewell. The last few days have been really chilly and rainy, but we woke up to a beautiful, sunny fall day. As we arrived at the church, not only were we grateful to be there with our ward family, but to have so many family and friends there in attendance was amazing and wonderful. We are so blessed and thankful to have so many people come and support Brayden at this time as he has prepared to go to serve the people in Argentina.

Brayden was asked to speak on "Personal Revelation" and gave a beautiful talk. After the meeting we came back to our home to enjoy some food and to visit with all those who came. It was a packed house with family and friends!