Today, Mason entered the MTC in Provo, Utah. Here are a few pictures that we took as a family before joining the line of cars backed up outside of the MTC. 

We were anticipating a very hectic and rushed curbside, so we did most of our good-byes before. Although the drop off was quick, it was much better than I had been playing in my mind for days. I was thinking a scene similar to the airport, where grouchy old people tell you to hurry it up and move on. When we pulled up, there were dozens of other missionaries with "Host" name tags ready to greet the new Elders. One approached as we pulled up to the curb and shook Mason's hand, welcoming him. We said our good-byes (I might have hugged him a little too tight and a little too long), and he walked off with his Host. As we got back in the car, we watched him walk up the ramp to the entrance of the MTC. He saw a friend from his lacrosse team, and they hugged. It was a wonderful image to leave with. He was surrounded by hundreds of other young men and young women making the same choice to follow the Lord and share His gospel. Good Luck, Elder Parkes!