Being Set Apart

Ryan was set apart on Tuesday night, June 8, 2010. Our immediate family along with a few Aunt and Uncles, Bishop Nielson and his wife, a couple of Ryan's close friends and Stake President Bangerter gathered to share in this special evening. President Bangerter gave each of us the opportunity to share and express our love, testimonies and feelings to Ryan. The spirit was very strong and the room was filled with lots of love and emotion.

Ryan then had an opportunity to share his feelings and testimony. President Bangerter then set Ryan apart as a missionary and offered him a beautiful blessing. He is now a missionary... and you could feel it!

Tyler Mickelson, Ryan, Kevin Olsen

Claudia Nielsen and Ryan

(Uncle & Aunt) Jeff and Cherie Campbell with Ryan

We visited briefly with everyone. As everyone departed, Andraya was able to announce (she had been trying so hard to keep the secret!) to Ryan that we were planning on having a family "camp out" in the family room. We had been planning this for a couple of weeks. The idea had been given to us by a dear friend who had done this with her family when her sons left on their missions. It was awesome! Being all gathered together as a family laughing, sharing and most of all, "being together" before Ryan was to leave the next day!
It will be a cherished evening forever!

Brothers!

My cute kids!