What a busy morning we had trying to get out the door and to the airport to drop off Landon to catch his flight to Utah. He got up extra early and got ready. We all just kind of did our thing, ate our breakfast and loaded the car with Landon's luggage. I headed outside with him to get some last minute pictures looking all "official". Stephen gave him a Father's blessing and we said a family prayer. More pictures were taken right before we left. I wanted some good pictures with Landon before we got all "puffy-eyed" at the airport. (I speak from experience with the last Elder Carroll I sent on a mission!)
We took two cars to the airport because Stephen was going to leave directly from the airport to go to an appointment. As we drove down the driveway Landon remembered that we didn't print his ticket. DUH!!!! Frantically we got what needed off the computer and were on our way again. After getting on the freeway we hit some serious traffic. It took me almost 45 minutes to drive what normally would take me 15 minutes. I was feeling anxious and worried that we wouldn't get Landon to the airport in time.
It took us two hours to finally reach the airport and we were cutting it seriously close. I didn't think Landon was going to make it. I had been able to get in the carpool lane as we entered Atlanta and move a little faster since I had Landon and Easton in my car. Stephen wasn't able to move as quickly and he arrived at the airport a little later than us. As I arrived at the Delta baggage check-in spot I told Landon to hurry and jump out and try to get checked in. He ran to the counter while Easton and I got his suitcases out of the car for him and rolled them up to the counter. The check-in lady was so nice and helpful and she hurried. She had us in and out in less than two minutes. In a very emphatic voice she told Landon to run to security and that he would make it. He had to hurry. She handed him his boarding pass and then we walked him to the entrance of the airport. Easton and I quickly hugged Landon and he was off. It was so quick and such an abrupt way to say goodbye to your son who was leaving for two years, but we didn't have a choice. He walked away and we watched. That was it. Stephen missed seeing him off and was sad about that.
Landon was picked up at the Salt Lake airport by Grandma and Grandpa who were happy to drive him to the Mission Training Center in Provo. Landon called us using Grandpa's cell phone to let us know that he had arrived and yes, he did make his flight...barely! He literally sat down in his seat on the plane and left 5 minutes later. Nothing like cutting it close!!!! He ate lunch at Zupas with Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Janelle and then straight to the MTC. We wish Elder Carroll safety, success, and our Heavenly Father's blessings to be with him as he begins his journey as a missionary. We love him and will miss him but look forward to seeing the amazing things he will do and the amazing man that he will become.
Here we are Skyping with Landon using Janelle's cell phone while they were eating lunch at Zupas!
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