try not to cry

Within a week, my in-laws home has gone from filled to the brim with family... 

to basically empty. As of monday, it will be little d, uncle cory and me for a week.

This wouldn't bother me so much if everyone wasn't in utah (without me), and if Blake wasn't going to be gone for two years in Milan, Italy. I am still unsure if I am more sad to see him go or more jealous of where he gets to go. Here are some sweet gems from last summer. Best buddies doesn't begin to describe it.

As I try not to bawl my brains out, keep in mind, Blake was the only BiL who was not rude and at least five inches taller than me when I married Mr. D in 2006. He now stands as tallest of all the boys, but to be honest in my mind he still looks like this: (far right)

Ahhh... and the kahki pants on my wedding day, don't think he will ever live that one down. :)

Blake was one of the first people I told I was pregnant, was most excited about me having a baby, was there for little d's baby blessing, first birthday and second birthday. It is hard for me to think about little d spending his 3rd and 4th birthdays without his "Ah-koh Bate", not to mention having to deal with little d asking where he is for the next 700 plus days. But he is a wonderful example to me, and is doing a truly wonderful work. {From what I have heard}, Mr. D's mission molded him into the person I fell in love with, and I certainly hope the same for Blake, that serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints will turn him from a wonderful 19 year old boy into a man.

I'll post more recent pictures when I can stop crying long enough to download these pictures without completely losing it. Off to the airport!