Missionary Training Center

Today was the big day. Caleb has been getting ready for the past three months and now it has finally arrived. He entered the Missionary Training Center in Provo today and will be there for 8 weeks and then fly to Rome, Italy where he will serve his mission for the next 2 years. He was very composed and excited about this new part of his life. We gave Caleb the choice of where he wanted his last meal to be before heading out. He chose J. Dawgs on BYU campus. Definitley not fancy but Caleb loves them and I must admit they were really very good hot dogs. I will miss hugging Caleb everyday and having him tell us he loves us. I'll miss his helpful attitude and the way he is a good big brother and example to us all. But I must say although we all shed a few tears, it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. We wish Caleb the very best and our prayers will be with him everyday!

Just a side note: anyone wishing to keep up on Calebs mission or contact him may follow the blog I have set up for him at eldercaleblarsen.blogspot.com I will post parts from his letters, pictures and how you can contact him. 

More MTC photos

Tayler, Caleb and Colton

Caleb with his buddy Miguel

Caleb is an Official Missionary

Tonight Caleb was set apart as a missionary for our church. He will leave for the MTC tomorrow where he will begin his journey. Colton his brother will leave in about 18 months, which means they will not see each other for almost 4 years. Colton is sad about that but says that watching Caleb prepare for his mission has just made it that much more of a commitment for him to serve also. They are close and will miss sharing so many times together. They are both great boys that we can be proud of.

Our Stake President gave Caleb a very special blessing when he set him apart. The spirit was very strong and we all felt at peace.

Tayler and Caleb are close too. They will miss going places together and all the things they love to talk about.

We all ate at Caleb's favorite restaraunt for wings, Wing Coop. We were joined by some of our aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.

Caleb's Mission Photos

Our sweet son Caleb is about to leave on a two year mission for our church. We are all so proud of his decision to go, which has totally been his. He will be a great servant of the Lord because he loves others so much and has strong convictions about his beliefs in the gospel. We love him very much, he will be missed!

more mission pics

Temple Day

What a wonderful day we had going through the temple with our son Caleb. It was a very special moment to walk through the temple doors with our child and know that he is where he should be. The spirit was felt by us and all of our family members who came to show their support of Caleb.  We are so happy he has made the decision to serve a mission for the Lord.

Matt, Caleb and me

Brian, Caleb and Heather

Family Pics 2011

It has been a really long time since we've had our family pictures taken (7 years to be exact). So with Caleb about to leave for the mission field we decided these pictures were a must. We had them taken at a local photo shop and I must say I really love how they turned out. Here are a few of our favorites! Above are Caleb, Me, Matt, Tayler, Colton, Miguel and Mikayla are below.

More pics

Tayler Graduates from Paul Mitchell

Oh happy day. In January Tayler graduated from hair school. So I officially have a hair dresser in the family! We are so proud of her and all the hard work she's put into achieving this great goal of hers. Great joy Tayler!