Our Missionary is on His way!

This was the last picture that we got of Tyler when we dropped him off at the MTC. We drove up and there were about 100 missionaries standing on the sidewalk greeting us. It was a little overwhelming for me....I am not sure how Tyler felt because it all happened so fast. They opened our door, Tyler got out, Alan grabbed the suitcases out of the truck and they started to whisk him away. I made sure to stop him long enough to take this picture and give him a big hug before he walked away. As we drove off Alan said he tried to look back and see if he could see him, but he had just blended in with all the other missionaries and dark suits. I did shed a few tears, but we know that Tyler was ready and that we wouldn't want him to be doing anything different than going on a mission right now. We are so proud of Tyler and his decision to serve a mission!!!

Here is a picture of President Reynolds, Elder Griffitts, Uncle Steve and Alan the night that Tyler got set apart as a missionary. We were able to stay at the Gerrard's the night before Tyler went into the MTC and he was able to see Matthew also. It was a great last evening together and we thank everyone for helping to get Tyler to where he is. We will miss him, but are so excited for him. His first email to us was very positive and he sounds like he really likes his companion (who is a 220 lb. football player). Right away they had sports in common.

Our last couple days together!

Marilyn Gerrard took this picture of Tyler with the "Glow" around his head before we left for the MTC.

Saying our goodbye's

Talking to Tawni on the phone.

Monday we drove down to Utah and stayed at Tawni and Ryan's house. We were so glad to go see them before Tyler left.

Halloween night at The Astin's with Justin and Kama.

Our trip to Kentucky!

After we dropped Tyler off at the MTC I had a very sad few moments. I was sad because I knew I wouldn't be seeing Tyler for two WHOLE years, but I also knew that I wouldn't want it any other way. I had planned for weeks to fly out from Salt Lake to Kentucky with Alan and he was going to drive the truck home. I so badly wanted him to go to Kentucky with him, and as I sat there crying in the car I said to Alan how much I just wanted him to go to Kentucky. Little did I know that he had purchased a ticket to Kentucky as a surprise to me for my birthday. Only Tyler and Tawni knew about the surprise and when he told me that he would be going I was so excited! We were also able to surprise Meagan, Brent and the kids. We got into Kentucky very late on Wednesday night, but it was so great to be there. Great Medicine for a sad mom...baby of the household gone....new era....time to be grandparents!

This isn't the most flattering picture of Alan, but it is adorable of Emy. The best thing was that she didn't forget us. I went into her room in the morning to get her out of her crib and she just wrapped her little arms around my neck and hugged me for about five minutes. There is nothing better than that!!!!

Sibling Love!

We took the kids to Build-A-Bear to make stuffed animals. Emy picked out a cute kitten that we named "KIKI".

The girls!

Checking out the Race Track

One of the mornings while we were in Kentucky we dropped Coen off at school and went to Keenland Race track and watched them exercise the horses. October was a big month at the track when they sell and buy horses. It was very quiet and beautiful to watch. Emy loved hanging out with Poppi.

Beautiful Horses!

Atlas, Brent, Meagan and Emy

Alan and Sandy

The Track was beautiful too!

We have news!!!!

I have finally been given the go ahead to announce that we are going to be the proud grandparents of our 5th Grandchild!!!!!!! Tawni and Ryan are expecting their first little baby on April 19th!!! She had her first ultra sound today and the doctor said the baby was moving around and kicking like crazy......just like it's parents. Tawni and Ryan don't have the internet....so I was told I could announce for them! We are so excited and hope the time goes fast for all. Tawni is 11 weeks pregnant and sort of coming out of the sick stage. She felt pretty icky for a while. All is well and we are so happy for them!!

Thank you Brady!

The Zastrow Family! Coen, Brent, Atlas, Meagan and Emy


Twenty Five years and counting!!!!......

Pictures by Brady Campbell

Before Meagan, Brent and the kids left we were able to get some pictures taken by Brady Campbell. He is our official photographer and no matter what he does he always takes great pictures. These pictures are so precious to us since our little Zastrow family is so far away from us now. Thank you Brady for creating memories for us to see and look at!