Farewell to Family and Friends in Utah - August 16, 2015

Elder Wilde's family traveled to Utah to finish purchasing the items he would need for his mission, give him a chance to say "good-bye" to family and friends there, and then take him to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah.  The farewell party in Utah was held at his Grandparents Willard and Linda Wilde's home.  Again, this was such a wonderful time for everyone to visit and enjoy this wonderful occasion.

 

 Elder Wilde with some of his Copeland cousins:  Brady, Hannah, Jenna, Lauren, and Kade; along with Elder Wilde's brother, Tyson.

 The food was so great, but even better were the reunions that took place that day!

 Elder Wilde's uncle and aunt

 Elder Wilde's Great grandmother who is 95 years young, along with Elder's Wilde aunt and uncle.

 Uncle Kyle and Cousin Carter--the next Copeland cousin who is planning to serve a mission in a year.

 Great friends of the Wilde family who they have known since they were first married and lived in Orlando by each other.

 Copeland cousins and little brother, Preston

 More Copeland cousins and Ellie, married to Elder Wilde's cousin, Taylor, who was on a business trip and couldn't attend

 Another wonderful family who became friends of the Wilde's when they lived in Virginia.

 The mother in this picture has been a family friend of all the Copelands since she attended school with the oldest three Copeland kids in junior high.

 Great family friends of the Wildes who they got to know in Shanghai when they lived there.

 Elder Wilde with his Aunt Kim and Uncle Kyle

 Elder Wilde with family friends of the entire Wilde family.

 The father in this picture has been friends with Elder Wilde's dad since they were in junior high school together. 

 Elder Wilde with his cousin, Kelsey, and Aunt Natalie

 Elder Wilde and his wonderful 95-year-old grandmother

 Three generations

 Four generations

 Elder Wilde with his parents and both sets of grandparents

 Elder Wilde's mother with three of her best friends in high school--Cami; her now sister-in-law Angie, and Kim

 Elder Wilde's Aunt Julie and her two children

 His Uncle Kevin and Aunt Angie

 Another of his mother's best friends since elementary school, Anne

And last, but certainly not least, is Sandy who has helped our family in so many ways, as well as one of the most loyal friends anyone would ever want since all of the Copeland kids were young.  Again, she was there to help out and show her support!

What a great day seeing so many people, some who we hadn't seen for years!  They all expressed their love to the Wilde family and gave their best wishes for a fantastic missionary experience for Elder Wilde.