President and Sister Layton

We had the incredible opportunity to be with LaMar and Lynnette as they were set apart as President and Sister Layton to serve over the Fiji Suva mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

It was a small group and we had the privilege of gathering in Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's office for about 30 minutes as he counseled LaMar and Lynnette and spoke to us as a group in a very informal way. 

Elder Holland set apart Ryan's dad and Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Presidency of the Seventy set apart Lynnette. The spirit was so strong and I really think the whole experience calmed a lot of nerves in that room! 

We decided against bringing the girls - Ryan's cute cousins watched them for us. When we were sitting in Elder Holland's office we both second guessed ourselves. It would have been amazing to have them there! Then we remembered Leah's uncontrollable outbursts, constant rocking and hand flinging, and Kate's complete inability to sit still and NOT talk (ironic, right? Our girls have opposite problems) and we stopped second guessing. 

I have a tendency to feel like if there isn't a picture of it, it didn't happen. But it did. And it was wonderful. 

We did get a group shot of everyone (minus LaMar's sister Thalene who is taking the picture) in the parking garage of the Church Office Building, where we saw Elder Perry, Elder Scott, President Eyring, Elder Cook and a few others. A great way to spend your Friday afternoon!

{L to R: Maren, Loretta Stark - Ryan's grandma, Ryan, LaMar, Lynnette, 

Jessica - Ryan's sister, Marlene and Hugh Pierce - Ryan's grandparents.} 

After the setting apart, we went to dinner together and then we bid them farewell. They left the next morning for the Missionary Training Center. 

{Leah afterward with Great Grandma and Grandpa Pierce - can't wait to get them back in Nauvoo!!}

It was a beautiful way to begin their three years of service and I can't wait to see what the next three years will hold!