The Last Weekend in California

Saturday Benjamin and I (Mom) went to the Oakland Temple.  It has been a wonderful last couple of months going to the Sacramento Temple together every Wednesday evening.  This was our last temple trip together before he leaves.  (Well, maybe not.  We might - probably- do a session at the Jordan River Temple Wednesday morning before he goes into the MTC right after lunchtime.)

After doing a session and some sealings, Benjamin embarked on a quest stemming from a conversation he and a friend had had on their Oakland temple trip Wednesday.  (The Sacramento Temple closed for maintenance) He was determined to find a coin in the fountain or stream at the temple..

Benjamin left off penny hunting to go to the aid of a car fire across from the temple. 

He found a penny - but in the grass, not in the water.  Does that count?  It had to do.  He gave the penny to his friend after church.  As she went to the car, she dropped the penny which promptly rolled out of sight!  One young lady and three young men spent several minutes hunting for the penny under and around three  parked cars.  When almost all had lost hope, Andrew found it.  All was well.

Benjamin had trouble tearing himself away after church.  Some lengthy farewells were said.

After Benjamin was set apart with all his local siblings and family in attendance, we had dinner with his sisters.  Waffle bar.

He played with nieces and nephew.  He loves kids, especially these.  It is going to be hard not to be able to interact as freely with the children while on his mission.

He played with his sisters and Andrew. ("And It Came To Pass" Benjamin won, I think).  He talked on the phone with Sariah (who lives two states away).

 Finally, the mean mother said it was time to go. Things to finish up at home and it's a really good idea to get some sleep before driving all day. 

Some good, loving, tearful hugs.  He is thinking of preserving the mascera marks on his shirt.  His suit jacket will cover them.