Well, the day finally arrived for Benj to leave for Basic Training at Ft. Benning.
Here's sweet Benj with Gabby. Gabby wants to be like dad and wear his boots!
He had to report to the hotel on the 4th at 6pm. He checked in and I left with the kiddies. They let us take Benj to hang out from about 3pm-8pm the next day. His flight wasn't scheduled to leave until the 6th. We went to Gateway Mall and wandered into Build-a-Bear. Gabby's b-day was coming up and we hadn't gotten a gift for her so we decided to make a bear for her. We each got to put a heart in the bear. Gabby got an extra one and gave it to Benj. He slipped it in his pocket and said he will carry it always. 
Will even got to help replenish the stuffing supply in the machine!
They "washed" the bear
And dressed "soldier bear" in his Army National Guard uniform.
Gabby sleeps with "Daddy Soldier Bear" every night now!
Then we got outside just in time to see the fountain show with a song. It was awesome!
We went to Denny's to get some grub and headed over to the Church History Museum so the kids could enjoy the Book of Mormon Exhibit they have there. They had a blast! You could put quilts together and "sew".
Will really enjoyed fishing off of Nephi's boat!
They had some traditional Mexican dancing complete with skirts for the girls, vests for the boys, and video screens displaying the dance to music! The skirt didn't quite fit around her waist!
Benj couldn't resist getting in on the dancing
It was a nice family day to end with before Benj left. We sure have missed him but are so proud of his willingness to serve his family and this beautiful country! If you want info on how to follow what he's doing day to day, you can check out my facebook wall!
I'am glad you had so much fun before he left. the teddy bear thing got me teary eyed.
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