We say Good-bye, You say Hello

It's time....Matt, Nate and I took a loaded truck of Matt's possessions (Todd was still in Philly and flew into SLC later to join us) and hit the freeway headin' west...destination Provo, Utah. Matt's summer term began last Monday. We wanted to get him there so he (we) could attend New Freshman Orientation. Apologies, Brandon, for using this pic...it was the better of the two.

Matt surprised himself and us as he continually attended more and more activities with his "Y" group from NFO . Both dances...can you believe that? The result has been a very happy Matt having a blast at BYU with his new found friends. Oh, yes, he's keeping up with his Econ class and B of M and slowly improving his tennis skills.

One of the friends he met is a gal from Arizona who asked if she could go for a run w/Matt and his new friend, Brandon. They chuckled to themselves and said she could. Imagine their surprise when she not only kept up with them, but set the pace at a darn good clip. Later they learned she's at BYU to run cross country and track. Humble pie, Matt.

Brandon and Julie were also in the midst of moving from Wymount to a basement apartment in South Provo, so when we weren't moving Matt in or attending a session of NFO, we were helping B & J. Which we were happy to do. It made for a busy but eventful weekend.

Brandon arranged for us to go to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house. We took a quick break and headed north to our old neighborhood, which we could hardly recognize. We were in awe by the beauty of this sacred edifice. And to go together as a family was wonderful. The chocolate chip cookies in the hospitality tent were a delicious bonus. (Garrett left before we took the pic)

Garrett's band (J. Wride) was playing on Saturday night. What a bunch of talented kids. We were happy they had a gig while we were in town so we could hear them live. Garrett has some wonderful friends. We also were able to hang with Kent (nephew) and Janea and Paul (niece & hubby).



Father's Day B & J hosted a dinner (delicious) for all of us. And Julie's German brownies lasted about, ummm, 20 minutes before they were all gone.

I find myself missing my father more and more as different challenges come and go in my life. I often wonder what his counsel would be in those situations. He was a spiritual father, one that I wish I would have listened to more closely and absorbed his wisdom while he was yet with us.

But here's to our father Todd, who makes us smile and laugh while guiding and encouraging us along the way! Thanks for your great example. We Love you! (B & J gave him a fun remote controlled helicopter that was a hit).
That inevitable moment came too soon when we had to say goodbye to three children and a daughter-in-law. We miss Matt TONS at home, but are so glad he's happy and adjusting well to a new chapter in his life. And of course, we always miss the other kids as well. We're counting down the days until we're together again.