Called To Serve

My brother, R3, left this week to go on a mission for the church.
(This isn't the "secret" project we are working on.)
He's the second boy in the family but the eighth kid. My first brother is only the second child so it's been a while since we've sent a missionary out and the rules have changed just a teensy weensy bit.
Just when you think you know what to do...
But we did get it done, all the shopping and exchanges on things we bought earlier thinking that's what he would need, and packing and hugging and crying and joking and celebrating.
It was an interesting weekend.
But we're glad he's getting to go, is able to go and is happy to go. He'll have a fabulous time and then ROAD TRIP! when he's finished and we can go pick him up.
He may shoot me when he gets back because he dislikes having his picture taken but an oldest sister can not commemorate such a huge event without at least one:
This is my mind, boggled that he's old enough to leave home. Where does the time go?