Arizona Project Challenge....Here we come!

Cadet Austin Verlin Merrill

Cadet Jon Winston Merrill

Well, the boys are all set up and at the "Army School" as their little sisters call it. Getting their heads shaved was crazy! They were both laughing and having a good time as we went through the check in process. They seemed a little more excited once we got there. They said they were excited, but a little nervous. They got to talk and hang out with a lot of kids getting ready too. A lot of kids that already graduated were there and giving them advice. It was a real positive atmosphere and everyone seemed united and had the kids best interest at heart.

I had a very hard time leaving them there, especially trying to sleep that night was tough, knowing they were in different beds trying to sleep themselves. But, I left knowing they were in good hands and the boys were getting anxious to get going and check out their Barracks. They will do awesome and they are thrilled because they said they will come back bigger for sports and ahead for their senior year! The kids that graduated already, said it was tough, but well worth it and they would do it again!

The leaders there instructed us that letters are like gold. They may not always have time to write back, but to keep writing because it will inspire them and help keep them focused because they know they are supported by people who care for them! Thanks for all your love and support and I can't wait for them to graduate June 11th! They make a huge deal at graduation! This will be a wonderful experience for them!

We were so surprised how relaxed Austin was when getting his head shaved.
He is all about his hair, but he looks good shaved!

Jon wasn't so sure about getting his head shaved,
but he has a very nice shaped head. So he was relieved after wards.

Saying all their GOOD BYES........

Annatto, our Lab, is sure going to miss wrestling with them!

We had a fun time going out to eat with family,
saying our Good byes and having a good time together!

All the cousins are going to miss them!

The hardest part was saying good bye to their little sisters, lots of tears....

They went on one last date with Sister Packer.
(They are always going to her house to visit or do some service.)
So she took them out to Dairy Queen before they left.

Caroline gave them the sweetest hug.
She doesn't quite understand and everyday she and the girls ask if the boys are coming back tomorrow.

The boys took the horses out for one last ride before they left.
The horses have been great chick magnets.
The teenage girls are waiting for them to get back to go on more rides!