Tomorrow is Eleanor's birthday so Caleb came over to put together his gift for her. He used some of my stationary from the 80's and 90's. I taught him how to make a homemade envelope and he did such a great job! Caleb bought Eleanor tickets for the Charli XCX brat concert in LA and made her personalised tickets. Everything turned out so sweet. I know she will love it!
Spencer's grandparents are also serving a mission and entered the MTC today! They sent this picture to Marie - who shared it with me. I think it is safe to say that Marie Wride is my favorite person right now. Sorry Adam.
Aaron invited friends over for Sunday dinner. Two of the girls are the daughters of the woman that holds bagel night. We owe most of Aaron's college diet to bagel night, so I was happy for the chance to feed her children. One young lady holds a "Come Follow Me" lesson on Sunday mornings. I believe we would be fast friends. It was the same young lady that told me "You look like my mom when she was young. And she was beautiful. She was Miss Montana." She stroked my fragile ego twice, young and beautiful. She may be my new best friend.
Van was also there. I have not spent time with him since he returned from his mission and it was delightful to have him at the house. He played the piano a bit. Shared a little about his mission. We talked about the many activities he went to on the 4th. Then very seriously he ended with, "But it was the first year I missed the Draper Pancake Breakfast on the 5th. (long sigh) So that was a rough day." I don't believe he as kidding. As we have never gone, I am wondering if it should be added to the 2025 Cox family Calendar. We discussed that he had missed Spencer in Rome by a few hours - he then asked if Spencer was roommates with Nate Nyman or if they were somehow connected. It all started in Carmel. All roads lead to (Rome) Carmel.
Since Ruby's P-day is on Wednesdays. We have to wait a full week from the day we dropped her off to hear from her. Spencer's P-day is on Friday. He was on a video call with his family on the way to dinner when he ran into Hermana Cox. Marie was sweet enough to send me this picture. While I may have previously bragged about my control of emotions at drop off, a full cry hit when my eyes set eyes on this. . .
Mom and Dad: BBQ and Fireworks at Logan and Lisa's. No repeat of previous firework attacks but still a bit sketchy:)
Midway through home MTC, Ruby mentioned that she may not cry when we said goodbye. It wasn't because she didn't love us or wouldn't miss us but because she was excited and ready to be a missionary and teach of Jesus Christ. Isn't that exactly how I would want her to feel?! The pep talk helped me keep a healthy perspective and keep at bay my thoughts that I would "be a puddle" for the first week. I can't say no tears were shed. But we did keep it pretty upbeat and positive. Really missed Isaac today though.
Aaron made her his famous PB and honey for her last meal.
During home MTC Ruby achieved her life long dream of moving into Dad's office. (She's tried to commandeer this room since we moved in - including writing a multi page document that laid out persuasive arguments and hand drawn design plans)
