missionary jack & the end of the cat

Yesterday Jack, Brett, Brian & I braved a very rainy day & drove to the bank.

Jack got out a big wad of cash & we headed to Mr. Mac.

Jack has been saving for this day for a long time.

He wanted to pay with $100's.

He is such a funny guy!

We went to Mr. Mac to load up on all of the stuff Jack needs for his mission.
He has a big list...
and only a couple of weeks until go time.

He was fitted for a new suit.
He only needs one for his mission in Brazil. Brian took two. They were both completely trashed by the time he got home.

He also needed 5 pairs of slacks- washable.

Jack is what we like to call a "lenky, as in lengthy, cowboy" so it's nice to have everything tailored to fit him. For some reason my boys (except trent) have always loved to dress up.

Brian got a new suit too.

To replace the shredded mess of a suit he wore home.

The other suit he threw away in Chile.

Just in case you are wondering if he changed much on the mission-

this photo is proof positive that he's mostly the same ol' brian.

Jack bought 8 white shirts.

7 short sleeved- one long- he has a couple more long sleeves shirts at home.

It's hot in Brazil!

What a handsome fella!

Again- these tailored trousers are going to be nice.

Shoes-

he bought two pair.

Brian bought two pair too...

they were trashed in the first year.

Missionaries walk A LOT.

Jack should average 11 miles a day.

Brian easily did that.

Missionaries usually don't drive much in foreign countries but jack might.

A good pair of shoes is essential. Brian bought a pair for $20 in Chile after his Rockports wore out... they only held together for three weeks. A good lesson in you get what you pay for. When he came home his shoes had cardboard liners in them he had cut out. I wonder if these Ecco Fusions & Florsheim's will last the whole two years for jack?

I don't know what these two are grinning about here... but I like this picture.

The best part-

Picking out the ties!

He bought seven.

Dad & Brian had a lot of advice.

It was good to see them together, talking about their missions & what they liked to wear & not wear. I really worried about have teenage sons when i was a young mom. I've loved it.

It was a pile of fun here on the way out!

Here's the bill

$1134.86-- substantially less than Brian spent.

Jack needs no winter clothes... sweet.

We still have more shopping to do- but suits & pants are being tailored & we are on our way to completing the list! I am really proud of him for paying his way out the door.

Lucky for us, when we got home Marcus & Brittany were here making an authentic Brazilian dinner for Jack.

Jack's birthday is Tuesday- this is an early gift.

Marcus went to the Recife, Brazil mission. Just above where jack is going.

This dish was delish! It's called- feijodoa

It was black beans & meat (pork ribs & sausage) boiled together & served over white rice with onions, tomatoes & lettuce.

Marcus & Brittany are fantastic cooks & so adventurous!

After dinner we headed over to closing night at CATS!

It was so fun to have Marcus & Brittany come along. Trent came too!! and guess what??? HE LOVED IT- amazing. That's how fast paced it is.

Brian, Cory, Zach & Jack

Ya just gotta love this kid & his spiky red hair.
I'm going to miss him terribly...

Brian's best friend Cory is on a mission in Guatemala. This is his little brother. He was Growl Tiger in the show & was FABULOUS!!! THis picture is for Cory. He comes home in July & moves into brian's apartment in the fall.

Hailey rocked the show!!!

She was so good & so brave & ya-- love her too.

Hailey & brothers- this is trent not wanting jack to pick him up...

Jack was ticked off because I suggested I ask one of the stars to take her picture with him... who knows- I mean she'll be in college when he gets home- get it? Hey, I tried, I was just lookin' out for the guy.

No- I didn't do it.

big baby

Hailey & sis- chloe.

We missed you megan!

Hailey & her BBF Tiffany

What a great day
too bad day light savings started this morning

I could barely keep my eyes open through 9:00 church....

IT was worth it!

catching up...

It's been such a busy week.

It feels like a month's worth of activities have happen this week.

We had Brett's sisters & parents here.

We ate lots of yummy food & visited.

It's been way too long since the three of them have been together.

Now that I think about it...

I'm not sure when they've been together without all the kids & spouses.

We did all the Utah type shopping...

and went out to lunch at Rio Grand downtown.

Susannah was an absolute dream to take everywhere.

She is such a doll- we miss her.

Monday night we went to see Hailey in Cats.

I can't even explain how GREat this show is!

It's shocking that a highschool can come close to a show this good.

-It is FANTasTiC-

It's so fun to watch. It's fast paced, the music is great, dancing...

Hailey is still having panic attacks..

yes, it's been a long show for her very worried mom & dad.

But, she is a trooper & keeps on going.

She is my hero- she just keeps doing her best & not letting it get her down.

Keri got her picture taken with one of the stars..

Rum Tum Tummer (sp?)

We are going again tonight - closing night.

Even though it's been a good experience over all, I have to say...

I'm not sad it's coming to an end- not sad at all.

I've been every night but one, when brett took a turn without me.

I love theatre- there is nothing more fun that watching your own children perform.

honestly the stress, it's getting to me

I love that hailey....

meow.....

Last night was dress rehearsal!

So...

I snapped some photos of our little kitty cat.

"Dollantina" is her stage name...

ha ha- all the kids had to come up with stage cat names.

She was waiting for her ride
and kindly posed for me.

Cute huh!?

Here's a shot of some random cats back stage during intermission.

The boys all have on jeans & under armour shirts, transformed of course.

No spandex- helped to ensure male participation.

Amazing- huh!?

these incredible costumes are made by parents

Here are-

Hailey, Tiffany & Justin

My three favorite cats!

*update: we are pretty positive the are panic attacks now...

and she is working on it.

If I had to get into a cat suit & dance around a stage I would have a panic attack too-

so really

WHO

can blame her?