Weekend on campus

 Beautiful Rexburg temple above campus

We needed sunglasses!  Isn’t my dad the cutest Grandpa?

Silly boys

We spent a delightful weekend at Nick’s University (our alma mater), ordaining him an Elder as he prepares for his mission and finishes up his first year of college, one more month to go!  It was great spending time with him, seeing him at school, meeting his friends & neat bishop (he  had wonderful things to say about Nick and said he will really miss him).  My dad was able to join us, such a supportive Grandpa.  We dined and enjoyed the company, the ordination was powerful and touching (thanks Paul) and they invited us to attend their student ward (church meeting) afterwards.  That was a treat and brought back many memories of my three years there.  It seems like yesterday I was eating in the cafeteria, working on my big design project (always had a big design project due), studying like crazy while  going to dances, games, movie night with Pauly and my roommates.  Such fun memories… Although I loved it then, I’m more aware of the great spirit of this place now that I’m older, it will always be a special place and I’m so glad Nick is spending his first year here. 

They invited Trevor (12), our deacon, to help pass the sacrament.  So cute seeing him pass with the college students, he thought it was awesome.  You could’ve heard a pin drop in that meeting (I’m used to family wards), I was just hoping the girls would sit through it reverently, we didn’t have any books or quiet things we usually have for them, and sitting for an hour (or three) in church isn’t their favorite thing.  They did pretty good, the girls behind us adored them and told us how cute they were, one said- energetic but loveable, that about summed it up.  Everyone there was very welcoming and  accommodating.  See you soon Nick, I mean Elder B.!  Congrats!  

One of Nick’s best friend received his mission call to Japan, luckily he’s still  in the MTC learning the language preparing to go, he’ll have his work cut out for him.  Our prayers pour out to those in Japan!  His other great friend is off to Russia.  So neat to see these fine boys grow up and be strong young men!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Their favorite part, besides seeing Nick.  Nice posture Sage :)

So far, so good- {Sunday Snapshot}

The cute clan saying good-bye to Nick. That first picture says it all, someone said to “look sad” Sage’s face on the right made me chuckle and Sophie helping Bruno say good-bye, ahhh. Then the happy farewell, Sage still looking concerned. They’re going to miss their bro.

For those who asked, Nick is attending BYU-I (in Idaho), an awesome university with students from all over, not easy to get accepted. It was so nice spending the day with him on campus. It’s grown a lot , but still has the same small feel and spirit to it. Nick ended up in the dorm that Paul was in (with a different name, what a pleasant surprise). The freshman and new families received a warm welcome everywhere we went.

After getting him checked in and arranged, many, many long lines, we divided and conquered, we enjoyed an authentic student lunch in the cafeteria. Now that’s come a long way, restaurant style with a variety of choices that wasn't too bad. At the parent/ new student orientation, it totally confirmed that this is the perfect place for Nick. Fun, nice size, gospel centered, and very academic- he can handle some cold weather with all of that. I was touched when the President and his wife spoke, telling us how much they love our children, reminding us to let go but stay in touch, but most impressive, he gave out his personal email address to all the new parents, just in case... Wow, of course he said to use it wisely.

Nick hit it off great with his new roommate, phew. Cool, nice kid from a good family in Texas. Nick’s probably done more these first few days of college (before starting classes) then he’s done most of his summer, besides work- longboarding with his roommate, first college dance, Luau, Tuesday devotional, movie night… So glad they keep them busy with great activities, especially in the beginning, he probably hasn’t had a chance to miss us.

I even snuck in a haircut. It was funny cutting Nick’s new roommates hair on the grass in front of the dorms with student Fiskar scissors- whatever works. The new students and adults walking by asked for a number. Poor guy stood in line for about an hour for his I-card and pic, to be told he needs a haircut first to meet dress code. The hair salons around were closed for Labor day so he was very thankful I could help, and it turned out great even with student scissors :).

Well Thursday was Nicks first day of classes. Let the homework begin, I’m sure he’ll still find time for fun.

My dad met us for dinner one night, so great seeing him

We enjoyed a fun Luau the last night. OK, the only place better then here would be BYU-Hawaii. Maybe after your mission Nick :).

I pulled in today and noticed Nick’s car in the driveway, made me think for a second he was here like any other day, he left it here for Josh… so blogging about the great details helps me not miss his so much. :) We chatted with him last night on the web cam, he’s doing great!

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Nick’s off to college- {Sunday Snapshot}

It came sooner then imagined, our oldest heading off to college. He’s attending the same University where Paul & I met, when it was a quaint 2 year college. It will be neat to see the campus again, so many memories. I’m so happy for him, but I’ll try not to cry all the way home. I wanted some family shots before he’s leaves.

Last Sunday’s dinner was Nick’s choice- Steak w/ sautéed mushrooms and mouthwatering shrimp. I about teared up helping the kids set the table, last one with him for awhile.

Friday night we went to a fun movie I wanted to see with him and the kids before he left, Toy Story 3, made us laugh and the whole college and growing up thing was too familiar, sigh (ya, I cried). Paul had to work, so he took us out to a nice dinner Saturday night. After that, Nick made sure everything was packed then he and Josh stayed up too late laughing and chatting, they are close brothers and will really miss each other. Throughout the day, the girls would say “I can’t believe Nick is leaving for college tomorrow, I’m going to miss him!” They think he’s the bomb for leaving them his drum set (he’s been giving them lessons :), I may not be so thrilled.

Love you Nick! You’ll be missed around here, but we know you’ll do great!

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