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!

Grandma and Grandpa's farewell

One of the reasons we headed to Utah so early in the summer (even taking Leah out of school a few days prematurely) was so we could be at Grandma and Grandpa Layton's farewell before they packed up and headed off to Fiji for three years. 

They both gave beautiful talks and I was honored to be able to play a piano solo for the meeting as well. I didn't own any piano solos with a missionary theme, so I purchased a book in Utah the day after I arrived (and then left for St. George), so I basically had Saturday night to learn and polish the song. Next time I'll be more prepared - I purchased four books for myself so I can be prepared for any church occasion! 

After the meeting, friends and family gathered in the club house in their neighborhood to socialize and eat some yummy food. The girls were in heaven with Ryan's cute cousins who are in high school. I wanted to take them home with me for the summer!

We also were excited to give them our gifts. First, a set of mugs with hearts connecting Fiji and Iowa. I used an online tutorial to bake Sharpie ink onto the ceramic mug and it totally worked! Pinterest win!

Second was a book I created about the differences between Fiji and Iowa. It's fun to read our copy to the girls and we hope Grandma and Grandpa like to read it in Fiji too. You know, when they are in that blessed sunshine, dreaming of Iowa's -40 temperatures and piles and piles of snow. 

A great day to celebrate some wonderful grandparents and their decision to serve the Lord for three years. 

Now here's hoping we get to go visit! 

Fiji bound

Over the holidays, Ryan's dad was called to serve the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a mission president presiding over the Fiji Suva mission (the special late night FaceTime I referred to on our Chicago weekend away was when we found out). This is a three year calling for both his parents!

Though we are sad to not have them around for the next three years, we are excited for them and for the experiences and adventures that are sure to await them in the Pacific! And we obviously can't wait to visit (though I'm considering giving Ryan a turn flying solo with the girls, and this 15+ hour flight might be the perfect opportunity???).

After calls for new mission presidents are made, the Church features each couple individually in the Church News. Here's what they wrote about the Laytons.

LaMar L. Layton, 58, and Lynnette Stark Layton, two children, River View 6th Ward, Draper Utah River View Stake: Fiji Suva Mission, succeeding President Kenneth D. and Sister Janis Klingler. Brother Layton is a former stake president, counselor in a stake presidency, bishop, senior missionary in the Tonga Nuku'alofa Mission and missionary in the Illinois Chicago Mission. Founder of Decisive Investor. Born in Salt Lake City to Lawrence Martin Layton and Lida Marlene Prince. 

Sister Layton served with her husband in the Tonga Nuku'alofa Mission and is a former stake Young Women president, ward Relief Society president, ward Primary president and counselor in a stake Relief Society presidency. Born in Rexburg, Idaho, to Earl William Stark and Loretta Ririe.