More Tears

I've pretty much lost track of the number of times I've cried this week.  Seriously, it is so hard to say goodbye to people you love so much.  We had a fun goodbye lunch with wonderful church friends at Burg and Barrel.  On my last day in Kansas I was a crazy lady and drove all the way down to Wichita for a chance to see Laura.  Even though we moved from Oklahoma 7 years ago, we've been able to visit 1 or 2 times a year, so it didn't feel like final goodbyes.  Moving to Syracuse means those quick weekend trips to see friends are no longer a possibility.  It feels like I'm losing Oklahoma all over again.  We enjoyed brunch at Homegrown, and then I had a couple of final goodbyes before I started packing the van.

Tomorrow we begin our new chapter!

Baby Piano

When I was growing up my mom would always say "if you want something nice buy it before you get married." I took it a little too much to heart and bought myself a baby grand piano right after college graduation.  It probably wasn't the smartest financial decision ever, but that piano has traveled with me over thousands of miles in 5 difference states.  I've had it for 23 years.  This time it's not making the trip to New York with us.  I traded it in.  I honestly was a little sad when they hauled it away.  I've had it longer than I've known Joel.  Bye Bye, Baby.

Final Games

 It's been so fun watching BB and Little Guy play on their baseball teams these last couple of years.  Both of them got to pitch on their final game.

Little Guy's team all signed a baseball for him. BB has been with the Rizzly Bears since the very beginning, so it was extra hard to say goodbye.  They had a going away party for him and he loved it.

BB found out there's an 8th grade team at school in NY, so he's excited to try out in the Spring.  We'll just need to find Little Guy a new team.

Many Goodbyes

 It's been hard saying goodbye to all of my students.  I pretty much cried or got emotional all 33 times.  

I love my students so much.  BB said good bye to his piano teacher.  He really loved Un Chong.

The boys had a surprise going away party and had a lot of fun.  

Driving With My Bestie

My awesome friend offered to drive with me to Utah and back, so that I didn't have to travel the 16 hours by myself on the way home.  She got to witness my goodbyes and sadness of leaving behind my oldest at college.  We ran into crazy construction and storms through Wyoming.  I'm so glad she was with me.  The sunset was lovely.  She found a hidden gem of a place.  Inside a gas station outside of Cheyenne, Wyoming is the best Indian food - seriously delicious!  The bathrooms were totally sketchy, but the Indian food was delightful!  We had a great adventure.  

 

Convocation

Friday was the beginning of all Little Man's orientation.  They invite parents as well for the whole weekend, but I decided to just go to the convocation and parent meeting in the Marriott Center.  It was extra fun, because I got to go with Tuckey who was my mission companion in Spain years ago.  She lives in Lindon and her son is also a Freshman this year.  The convocation brought back all kinds of memories from my time at BYU, and I was just hoping that Little Man was enjoying it.  

Afterward, I needed to pick up a router that Little Man needed for his dorm room, and we also stopped to see the Lindon temple.  This is Temple 97 for our family!

The following morning we took Little Man out to lunch for some last moments together.  He wanted to try the iconic Brick Oven for some pizza.  It was so hard saying goodbye to him, but he had the most amazing first day of orientation.  He couldn't stop gushing about it being the best day of his life.  He loves his roommate who also happens to be from Kansas.  He's from Dodge City.  Kinda crazy! Knowing he was happy made it easier, but I was seriously sad on the drive home.  

BYU

We arrived in Heber City, Utah and the first thing Little Man wanted was Cafe Rio. 

We stayed with Aunt Sherry and then headed down the canyon in the morning.  We met up with Jana at the Museum of Art, ate lunch at the Creamery, picked up his books, and then walked his class schedule.  He felt a lot better about things after walking campus.  I went to the new music building just for fun.  I can't believe how nice it is.  The new BYU Creamery was also ridiculously nice.  

Luckily, they let us into the dorms a little early, and we got him all moved in.  

Little Man is very minimalist.  He didn't want any decorations or pictures.  He even used his suitcase as his end table.  Once we were all moved in we headed back up the canyon to have dinner with the Murrys.  It was so lovely to see them.

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

The night before Little Man left for college he chose the place to go eat.  He wanted to go to Atomic Cowboy for a good burger.  We then washed it down with Handels ice cream.

It was hard saying goodbye to the kitties and the family. Not only was he saying goodbye to them, but also his home and Kansas.  When he comes "home" for Christmas is will be in New York.  He was sad.  I heard a few sniffles in the back as we drove away.