The Farewell

The day of departure was fast approaching ... and before leaving, Landon needed the traditional "farewell" talk in church, and last celebration with family and friends. We decided on February 8th, so that Landon could attend his buddy Tyler's mission farewell the following week (they'd gone through the process of putting in papers together, got their call the same day, etc.) 

Thanks SO much to Aunt Alicia and Grey Wren Photography, as she squeezed Landon in for some last minute pictures! When Landon got outfitted with his new duds and received his brand new camera, he had his own little photo shoot (see below). 

Landon's Self-Photoshoot

Gray stressed a bit about the open house. He really doesn't think our house it set up for hosting a large gathering. And it isn't great. There was some talk of having it at Pammy's, but we ended up just sticking with home. But Grayson did make sure there were some improvements before everyone was over ...

New carpet, new couches, new chairs ...

Landon did great with his talk. Callahan was the youth speaker beforehand too. I was actually very glad that the parents don't give talks like in the "olden days" ... *Ü*  Back at the house after, we'd had both our fountains set up. One traditional, chocolate, with all the dippers. For the smaller fountain, the boys had a brainstorm to try nacho cheese and chips. It was a hit as well. We also served chicken salad on croissants, and had a fruit and veggie tray.  The weather had been SO nice! Happily it stayed that way for the farewell, and people could comfortable sit outside in the sun as well.

Most of the people left after a couple of hours ... 

of course the Blackhams were still around. 

We took a group shot of all the cousins

(missing the Seattle gals)

Callahan came in and tried to get a little rest ...

It turned into a big ol' Blackham dogpile!

Gray and I are glad to have it over ... 

It had been stressing us out a bit! 

Now for the final countdown ...