Ordained to the office of an Elder and given the Melchizedek Priesthood

One of the first steps when Gage was getting ready for his mission was to be ordained an Elder and receive the Melchizedek priesthood. He was ordained by his father, Aaron. We were so blessed to have many members of our family with us for his special day. You will hear me say it often, but we really do have the best family!!! It happened to occur on a fast Sunday and we were blessed to hear many sweet testimonies from our ward members and our family members. Loved this day!

Our family group shot!

Cousin missionaries! One in Jamaica and one in North Carolina! Love them!

Fabulous men in our family, such great influences! (missing just a few of them)

Most of the Davis cousins, only missing 3.

Most of the Marx cousins, only missing 2.

Both sets of grandparents were able to be there, and of course all of my children and my cute hubby!

Gage opening his mission call

Someone asked me about publishing Gage's opening of his mission call (thanks mom!) I probably should have started there, but like I said, I am new to all of this blogging stuff.

Gage received his mission call on July 3, 2015.

We were able to share him opening his letter with family and friends in person, and via our electronic devices. So grateful for all of the love and support shown to Gage from our family and friends!

We had a house full plus several Face Time and Google Chats set up for our family out of the area!

 Everyone got 2 guesses on where they thought Gage might be going...none of us got it exactly right.

 The suspense is killing me...

Dear Elder Davis: You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. you are assigned to labor in the North Carolina Raleigh Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for  a period of 24 months.  You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, October 21, 2015. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the English language.

North Carolina Raleigh Mission boundaries

 Mom gets the first hug, right???

...and get to read the letter first, after the prospective missionary of course ;) 

One proud dad!

 Gage with his best friend/older brother, Cole.

 His favorite sister, Kylee!

I think that his little brother, Kade, might be excited!

Grandma Kris was with us, Grandpa Davis was out of town.

Grandpa and Grandma Marx got to be with us.

Bishop Maw was able to join us, he helped Gage get to this point.

We were lucky to have some of our Marx extended family traveling through so they could share in Gage's day.

Aunt Hannah and Aunt Nona always supporting him!

Cousin, Abbie, was living at our house for two weeks when he got his call.

3 soccer buddies from Price. So glad they could be here!

We have the best neighbors. Love her!

Uncle Dave and Aunt Jen came to the party.

Aunt Kelsie and Uncle Pat.

Great friends! Baylee, Cole, Gage, Kara, and Bella.

His cousin, Tyson, was living  with us for 2 weeks when he got his call. 

Cousin Shannon and Aunt Cindy.

Jessica and Carly showing their support!