One year older and wiser too...

Today I turned 24. To be perfectly honest I was not looking forward to today. Today marks the last day the entire Bruce Family will be together for 3 years. I woke up mostly dreading the day and how sad I would be thinking about how this would be the last day together. I have to admit I was wrong. Today was probably one of the best birthdays and a day that I will remember for the rest of my life. I woke up to this smiling face...

I opened the card and then Lucas and Andy revealed my surprise birthday present. A new 50mm lense for my camera! I was SO excited! Andy totally got me and I couldn't be more thrilled. It was completely unexpected and I have already put it to good use. (Thanks babe!)

After getting ready we set out to Salt Lake. We went to the Church Administration building where we met up with the Bruce Family for my parents setting apart. What a special experience to be in such a remarkable place. While waiting in the lobby we saw Elder Cook... I think we were all a little star struck.  As our time approached the security guard opened the doors and told us to go down the hall and up to floor three where we would be greeted and showed to our conference room. We arrived in the conference room and waited patiently. After a few minutes Elder Nelson came into the room. To be in the presence of an Apostle of the Lord and shake his hand was overwhelming. Words cannot describe the feelings of gratitude I have of the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to know that we have living Apostles on the earth today. After the setting apart I finally had a sense of peace and I can now say that I am "Ok" with my parents leaving for 3 years to serve the people of Chile. Here we are after the setting apart with President and Sister Bruce.

After the setting apart it was time to celebrate! We went to Tucano's (YUM!) and had some fun taking pictures. They sang Happy Birthday and I was forced to dance (bottom right pic)... We had to take some pictures with Dallas since he will be going to the MTC tomorrow morning.

After dinner we went to Christian's Ranch up Provo Canyon and the kids had a blast petting all the animals. Below is Buck the Deer that lives on the ranch. He is just a little guy and we all got to pet him. Andy and Lucas wanted to ride the tractor in honor of Grandpa Coons, I'm sure he would be proud.

Before we left the ranch we took some pictures with Dallas and the Bruce Ladies one last time...

Tomorrow we will go to Magleby's for Breakfast and drop the three missionaries off at the MTC. I know Dallas, Mom & Dad will be awesome missionaries and I am so grateful to have them as examples in my life.

I can't believe I am 24 and I really can't believe I will be 27 when Mom and Dad return from Chile...