I went out with Andrew to get him settled at BYU, and make sure he was ready to be on his own. I was determined to not be too sad about his leaving while he was still at home and feel like I did a pretty good job. I was dreading the trip in some ways and was so excited for him in other ways. I heard it described as "miserable joy" and I think that is the perfect description.
Our plane ride was fun - we played lots of cards and shared some treats. Here is Andrew catching the first glimpse of the mountains.
We got into Utah, went to Beth and Rick's house to pick up the large amount of boxes we had shipped there from Amazon, went to Costco and Walmart to pick up the last minute items we needed and then headed to Bridgette and Britt's house for the night. Bridgette made us some really yummy pizzas in her new pizza oven and we tried out their theater. We ended up sleeping right in the theater and then got up the next morning and met Holly.
We drove to Andrew's dorm and while Holly and I were getting the last few things out of the car, Andrew was helping someone with directions. It was a proud mama moment and I really did have the thought that he was ready to be out on his own.
Here we are with everything he is going to have for the year!
Andrew's dorm at Helaman Halls.
I've been to this intersection 1000 times, but it felt really different driving by and knowing this is where Andrew is going to be.
We got Andrew all settled in, then went and met Steve Hoffman for lunch and went back to the dorm to put the finishing touches on his room.
Beautiful finishing touches like this treasure Andrew decided to bring from our garage!
Andrew and his new roommate Tyler.
Downstairs in the common area of the dorm. It's a pretty nice set up with lots of seating, some games, a piano and a huge t.v.
Here's the outside...Andrew went to play some football with his roommate and Holly and I left and spent the rest of the night relaxing and talking.
The next day, I went back to campus and went to the opening orientation for freshman and parents. Andrew and I figured out where each other were sitting and waved, but I didn't actually talk to him this day. The orientation was good and after I went back to Holly's.
That's a big school!
Holly and I went to Zupas that night and I drowned my sorrows about Andrew in their cauliflower soup!
The next day was my girls' day out! I met Holly, Mandy, Tammy and Kodi for breakfast - where we stayed and talked for hours...
then we went to get pedicures. I loved this sign! After, we went and got cookies and sat and talked for a few more hours.
Andrew spent the day doing cool stuff at BYU - including being a part of the Y.
On Saturday I spent the whole day with Grandpa and Jeri. I was wonderful. The dog was enteraining us all and we had a great time just sitting, visiting and enjoying being together.
Andrew sent me some pictures from the BYU/Utah game ...
And from the soccer game the next night. I knew he'd love the all sports pass and he definitely put it to good use the first few nights!
On Sunday morning I was talking to Greg and finally had a really good cry. I knew I was going to say goodbye to Andrew the next day and it was hitting me hard!
Holly and I drove back down to campus and took Andrew to Cafe Rio. Oh how I love this boy.
When we were finally saying goodbye, Holly jumped out of the car and snapped this picture without us knowing. I had a really good cry (and so did Holly - I was so glad she was with me) and we drove back to her house. I got my bags together and headed to the airport shortly after.
I could not be more proud of Andrew and my heart could not have been more torn apart - all at the same time. Apron strings are painful to cut.
