The Release of Brother & Sister Stoddard

Daddy & Ma were released yesterday.

Dad had been serving as a counselor in the Korean Branch Presidency at the MTC

(Missionary Training Center)

 President and Sister Shin, Dad and Ma, and Brother Heiner

We were invited to attend Sacrament Meeting with them for his release. They held the meeting in 11M, The Melvin J Ballard Building.

This was 3-fold special...

One, it was where Dad served and was released .

Two, this was the first building that Dad worked in at the MTC when he started his career there over 30 years ago!
(My Dad worked at the MTC most of my life)

And three, it was the last Sunday of Sacrament Meetings to be held in this building... it is being torn down to build a new taller building.

It was a choice experience. 

The kids loved the covered walk-ways just as I did as a kid... 

The spirit you feel at the MTC is unlike anywhere else! It is so humbling!  

Our Little Family 

Papa with his grandchildren

We hope someday they stand at this very spot and have pictures taken when they themselves are called to serve...

(Missing were Brent's 4 children) 

Cam wanted his own photo to use when he has another to add to it in 10 years or so.

So then Caleb did too! :)

And Caleb HAD to wear his "Future Missionary" tag to our visit to the MTC!

The missionaries loved it! 

Papa stopped all the kids in a hall on our way through the buildings and had to show them his "favorite" missionary photo out of all the ones adorning the walls of the MTC. 

He loves the look on the little blond boys face in this one... it makes him chuckle whenever he sees it! LOL 

(hubba hubba)

As we passed the hall of the Presidents of the MTC, I snapped this photo...

this is how many Presidencies Dad has served with while working at the MTC.

30 years worth! 

But this one brought tears to his eyes. This is President Boone whom extended the call to serve as a part of a Branch Presidency.

He and his wife Allison really loved my dad, and you could tell by his tears that the feeling was mutual.

He served for 2 years as part of an English Branch and then 2 more year in the Korean Branch.

(And no... he didn't speak the language!) 

The Keith and Annette Stoddard Family

(missing are Brent, Nicole, Morgan, Britt, Jesselynn and Kate Jo)

Our "Good and Faithful Servants" 

Cameron wanted me to take a picture of this picture of President Monson... he adores Pres. Monson.

And he was completely delighted when I pointed out that you can see his reflection in the glass looking at his picture! :) 

Caleb with one of the displays I loved to play on as a child. 

The Book of Mormon is truly a gift from God! 

I finally got Cody to stand still so I could snap this photo of him alone.

Crazy to think it is possible that I will be taking another just like it in 6 short years!

Thank you Papa and Gramma Annie for being such fantastic examples to us all!!

We are so proud of you!

And we love you very much!!