Ode to the boys and bon voyage to Richard

My "baby" brother is headed off on his mission tomorrow. The last of the my three "little" brothers to serve, the youngest of eight kids. It seems like a momentous moment for our family. I'm so proud of him and how he has matured and grown doing some hard things these past few years while my parents were mission presidents. What a sharp, intelligent, fun guy.

My brothers let me "play" a little bit picture-wise before Richard left. Handsome men, I tell you. They are going to be some real catches for the ladies who discover them. I already said some about Richard (although he is out of the running for two years) but Mark is magical with children and A.J. is such an aware and thoughtful person. I could go on and on about them. I love that they like my children and to see how my children adore them. Katie gave Richard a hug when she was saying goodbye to him and then looked at him admiringly and shyly for a minute before she whispered to me that she wanted to shake his hand. I guess he already looked very official and missionary-like in his new suit.