lexi leaves us

I flew solo-parent style on the flight out to bid Lex farewell. All I have to say is thank goodness for portable DVD players. I've always been one of those people who scoffed at such a device's interference with a child's right to imagine or--heaven forbid--be bored. But its use in this case was a blessing. A necessity. A hypocritical anomaly--sort of like how I consider myself a feminist but take secret delight in a television marathon of Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making the Team.

Anyway, the whole fam was together (a rare occasion these days) and it was an overall delightful time (another rare occasion. hee hee). So we took advantage by taking some family pics (stay tuned) courtesy of my talented friend, Becky. Lex has been gone nearly a week now and I miss her already!

Last day at the salon.
I'm pretty sure every relation in Utah Valley came out for a haircut. It was a front-bang frenzy as we all said goodbye to our favorite stylist and hello to being frumpy for the next year and a half.

Canyon & Peeps dress up as high-maintenance sister missionaries

Then sit on Lex to try and get her to stay...

My sisters

Just like a prom corsage...

All the farewell-bidding fam at the Missionary Training Center.

Love you, Lex!