Remember my lovely post (until some unfortunate comments) about my little brother Aaron's not-farewell? Well, he left for the Missionary Training Center in Provo two days ago. We took a lot of pictures (now that they have the drive-thru policy at the MTC) at our house that morning. There were no tears - I'm more excited for him than I am sad that I won't get to see him for a few years. Unless you count the tears I cried later that day when one of my piano students, a boy hero named Carson, played "Snowflake Rag" perfectly. (I really did cry. I couldn't stop myself. None of my students has EVER played that song correctly, let alone perfectly. And I was a little emotional. Maybe.)Anyway, once I'd seen the pictures I got a little nostalgic. My parents look much different today than they did when I left for my mission almost 15 years ago. I look much different today. I'm not sure I'm cool with this realization. Here is the family (living in North Carolina at the time) as I was leaving to catch my plane to Utah:
I better not hear anything about how anyone thinks they look in this photo. Now I understand why a couple of teenage boys whispered, "Dude. Nuns." when my companion and I boarded the free bus in Vail, Colorado on a snowy day in January 1996. (It was a year later than this photo, but I was still favoring the black ensembles.) Also, Aaron is doing The Broccoli Dance as seen on Sesame Street. No fear because he never reads my blog and now he won't have Mom to alert him that there is something about him to read. (Dad must have taken this one, so I took one of him and Mom for posterity.)
Why would I cut my own mother out of this photo? Ah. In this photo, my Mom is making the most unfortunate and inexplicable face ever committed to film. I believe I would be CUT OFF from her forever if it was ever published on the internet. This is why I am the favorite child.After a tough week (similar to Melissa's Tale of Woe), it was nice to have such a bright spot as my brother going on a mission.
Speaking of bright spots, Bridget is my best favorite. She likes to tell me what her "best favorites" are. We were eating chips for lunch the other day when she pronounced chips her best favorites. I said, "Chips are my best favorites, too. Ice cream is also my favorite." She replied, "I like Jesus."
11 comments:
awesome pictures! We were totally on our missions at the same time. I think I had the same outfit!
Drive-thru at the MTC now? That's so weird. I guess it's better than the staged ripping each others hearts out as you go through separate doors.
I'm glad Bridget likes Jesus. That made me laugh. Also, props to Dad for losing 100 pounds.
That's what I was thinking. Who is that skinny old man? Too bad you're not as righteous as Bridget. We got our car back all shiny and new so I'm sure my tales of woe are over for a piece.
I think Bridget one-upped you there. I love that she is wearing her Cinderella gown for her last picture with Uncle Aaron. So fun to see your family then and now.
love feelings for sweet little missionaries.
bridget totally set you up on that one. hilarious.
whatever the 'AWESOME PICTURES' amy. i know where you live.
Thank you. You ARE my favorite. There seems to be nothing but awful pictures of me, which is strange since I'm a photographer's daughter.
Wooah! Excuse me, Mom? I guess since Nicole has already won the favorite child contest I no longer have any reason not to post awful pictures of you on my blog. Oh, well.
You've already done your share! I think you all look darling in the family picture. Thanks for a sweet post, Nicole!
Were you like "Oh! I like Jesus too!" Those three-year olds, they always have to one-up you.
New missionaries are my best favorites. Although I always get a small pit in my stomach when I see them leave. I worry, because it's a big deal and they are so young! They usual do so well though. Love them!
Sheesh. Finally a picture of me on your blog from AFTER my awkward stage. Thank you ofr letting us see him with his official missionary badge a d all
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