I've been putting off composing this post because it's bittersweet. This is the post where we both celebrate the beginning of Talia's missionary service and bid our ReddiWip farewell. I'll try to keep the tone light, but just know that my computer keyboard probably has a few wet splotches as well. Sure miss you, Tally Wally!
So the turn around time between Spain and Talia getting set apart as a missionary was fast. We arrived home super late Friday night and discovered that Talia's missionary name tags had arrived.
On Saturday morning we were reunited with our pup. As you can tell, Zion was ecstatic to see Talia. Looks like our wild leaper left Talia with a kiss to remember him by!
On Sunday May 31st Talia gave a beautiful missionary farewell address at church. They have a big map in the foyer with pins representing all the places our ward currently has missionaries called to serve. So fun that Santa Fe, Argentina gets two pins for both Talia and Zach!
After church we held a celebratory luncheon at our house. Talia was a good sport about posing in front of her Argentinian flag.
She had so many friends from high school and college come to support her.
We are so grateful for all the family that was there too. NomiAnn was amazing in helping to prep so much of the luncheon before we even got back to the States. Also, a bit shoutout to Papa Kay for lovingly keeping our plants alive while we were gone. And the biggest shoutout to the Wilhoits for entertaining Zion. We love our village so much!
As for the yummy cookie treats, many thanks to both Grandma Susie and Brianna. They were delicious!
And now for some photos of the joyful day.
Vibrantly Violet.
There were so many other pictures we could have taken, but you get the idea. Our home was full of friends and family who support Talia nd are so proud of her desire to love and serve the people of Argentina.
On Tuesday June 2nd we took Talia to see her last movie in the theaters for a good long while. Can't remember what we saw, but I do remember getting popcorn. Annika thought the container made the perfect hat. Oh, just remembered the movie: The Devil Wears Prada 2.
That evening, she was officially set apart as a missionary by our bishop Eric Buell and Stephen James.
Annika was there for this special moment as well, but slipped away before photos. As for Eli, he was off at FSY Camp (For the Strength of Youth) at Snow College in Ephraim.
The next morning Talia began seventeen days of Home MTC, or missionary training that takes place virtually via extensive Zoom classes, personal study etc. For the most part, she was cloistered away in the basement bedroom diligently studying. But whenever she emerged for lunch or breaks, I often snagged my camera. 'Cuz cuz.
Canine besties Pickles and Zion can't imagine whey we would have fun inside without them.
So, we came back out for a little more fun.
Just a boy and a box and two pups.
Speaking of pups, Annika was not all that excited to be taking Zion out on this particular evening. Fortunately Brooklyn was all smiles, and the view was beautiful.
In general, she tried to work four 10 hour days so that she could have a day off. Add a 1.5 hour commute each direction, and that means leaving the house at 5:30 am and getting home around 8:00 pm. Poor gal! I think she is so happy to be back on campus. But before you feel too bad for Brooklyn, know that she also had some serious fun this summer. She traveled to Australia with NomiAnn for a mission companion's wedding, went to Cedar City with her bestie, plus celebrated the weddings of her close high school friend, another mission companion, and a freshman year dormmate. Even more, she did an amazing job of being "present" with our family, making time to be with us whenever possible. I don't know what I did right in the universe to get a 20-something year-old daughter who seems genuinely happy to hang with her Mom, but every day I am grateful. Here we are eating french toast at Kneaders in City Creek.
And here we are at Temple Square, feeling giddy that the scaffolding is finally off the Salt Lake Temple and the visitor centers are open.
Inside the visitor's center they have a pretty amazing model of the temple and the grounds. It was exciting to go inside after everything being closed for renovation for years. I'm even more excited for the temple open houses this spring. And just think Talia, by the time you come home the temple will be rededicated and functioning as usual!
For one of Talia's P-days (missionary lingo for a day off, or "preparation day"), we headed to the Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Because really, nothing says Talia more than Scotland. Also, thanks to Papa Kay for meeting us there. We all happened to show up just at the same time!
Coming into the festival, we were greeted by these giant Irish wolfhounds. They looked even bigger in person.
The Scottish dancing was also a favorite. With so many leaps and constant jumping, it requires an impressive amount of atheleticism.
Waiting for the opening cermonies. Definitely a scorcher of a day.
But hey, it was definitely worth the wait. Listening to a hundred bagpipes and drums perform Scotland the Brave gave me goosebumps.
Checking out all the shops. Annika found some super cool DnD dice that Eli 3D printed a fantastic box for,
Eila, you're my favorite!
I know the pic is blurry, but check out the dancers!
We have Papa Kay and Anders, Brooklyn and Eila, Eli and Callie, and Adam with an unknown beautiful girl. At least Callie was there to keep an eye on things. :)
Look, we even ran into our dear friend Shannon! Gosh, I miss working with her at West!
Brooklyn, you're dazzling.
Annika, being a pirate suits you.
Also, Zion will sometimes put his head in your lap while you eat and it's a little annoying but totally adorable.
While the kids pretty much rocked the three story pyramid, we experienced structural collapse before making it to four. Brooklyn, looks like you're the weak link! (Ironic, 'cause she's super strong.)
I can't remember what we ate for dinner, but I remember all the yummy pies! Thanks, NomiAnn. Also, Papa Kay gave Talia her own canister of Reddi Wip for the occasion.
Now for some farewell meat pie at our house. Meat pie was definitely on Talia's list of meal requests before taking off to Argentina.
All too soon we were giving farewell hugs. Annika and I left a couple of days before Talia and I flew out to Mexico so that I could drive Annika to Round Up River Ranch in Colorado.
For Talia, the moments of connection and farewell continued. This hot dog roast up Millcreek canyon looks like it was so much fun and a great way to say goodbye to the Millcreek Wheelers.
Plus, what could be more fun than making crazy faces with Violet.
Violet agrees.
And another from Eila.
Thursay, June 18th, 2026. Bags all packed and waiting by the door. It's surreal to see your life for the next 18 months so tidily encapsulated.
Making their way through the airport. Destination: Mexico City MTC!
Gluttons for punishment, the Wilhoits came for another goodbye. In truth, it looks like their smiles and signs were exactly what was needed to lighten the mood and make the day a joyful one. Thanks for being there!
At the airport, Talia finally got to meet her home MTC companion in person. I'm so happy they connected after weeks of spending hours and hours together online.
Here's Talia making her way through the airport crowd. While Talia's a travel expert, I'm glad Brooklyn was there for some Hermana-you've-got-this love.
Our Talia was loved and supported by her best friends Clara and Hannah as well.
Family photos. Hey, random fact: I just heard that SLC Airport might start allowing gateside reunions. If so, I might get my TSA Pre-Check after all! Getting to see Talia fifteen minutes sooner would be totally worth it. :)
But hey, it was definitely worth the wait. Listening to a hundred bagpipes and drums perform Scotland the Brave gave me goosebumps.
And Talia, you're my favorite too! (Talia is the OG fav.)
The thing about having a mission farewell and then seventeen days of home MTC is that you have so many lasts. It feels like you are saying goodbye again and again and again. While we absolutely loved having Talia there, it was kind of a weird extended limbo of being stuck between worlds and waiting for the "real" mission to start. I think if Talia could have chosen, she would have still had home MTC, just maybe a week shorter. Anyway, here we are having a last breakfast with NomiAnn and Papa Kay. Monkey bread for the win!
Now for the farewell dinner at NomiAnn and Papa Kay's place. We decided to take pics before eating while the light was still good. The pyramid never gets old--it's just too exciting.
Looking at these photos, the pain of separation is still real and raw. But grief is the price we pay for love, and absolutely worth it. With it comes the joyful anticipation of being reunited.
A little charcoaled for some but the perfecr S'more for others. Callie trained her kids well.
A farewell hug from Ruby.
Leaping with love.
Our Talia was loved and supported by her best friends Clara and Hannah as well.
Family photos. Hey, random fact: I just heard that SLC Airport might start allowing gateside reunions. If so, I might get my TSA Pre-Check after all! Getting to see Talia fifteen minutes sooner would be totally worth it. :)
Hermana Talia, your Dad loves you so much. So do I!
And these are the pictures that really make me cry. The love between these siblings is so great--saying farewell is wrenching. I'm just so very glad these sisters got a semester together before parting ways again.
Hermana Talia Lily Wheeler, Para siempre Dios esté con vos, God be with you 'til we meet again.
We love you!
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