Goodbyes

Have you ever taken extended-release medicine? The idea is to ease the pain through continuous doses of the good stuff.

In the same spirit, we decided to try the extended-release version of "take your son to college."

DAY ONE
Arrive in Utah after a very cramped car trip

and a quick stop in Las Vegas to visit Great Grandma.

(Not pictured) Mother/son bonding time at Wal-Mart.
Spend hundreds of $$ while purchasing all the necessities.

DAY TWO
Time to hit campus in Provo.


Separate for parent/student orientation activities.
Back together that afternoon to move into Helaman Halls.

DAY THREE
John and his extended family continue the monumental task of cleaning out Grandpa's house and getting it ready to put on the market.

(Not pictured) Mom sneaks in a quick visit to her BYU roommate Tammy, who just happens to be in town only a few blocks away.

Mom serves as a personal shopper.
She returns some of the "necessities" to Wal-Mart and buys and delivers replacements to dorm room.
The REAL necessities are delivered later that evening in the form of scrumptious cupcakes.

DAY FOUR
Separate Sunday.
First time in student ward.
Family spends more time in the car driving to Wyoming for a quick family reunion.

Lots of quality cousin time

DAY FIVE
First day of classes.

Time for siblings to show they "bleed blue" by spending Mom & Dad's money on BYU sweatshirts. Mom finds a cheaper souvenir to wear.


Sharp-eyed sibilings spot Aaron longboarding off campus.


Quick stop to chat.

That afternoon an emergency phone call is received. "I need a couple more pairs of jeans!" Tragedy is averted thanks to Kohl's and American Express.
Back on campus in time for ward FHE.

DAY SIX

(Not pictured, thank goodness) Removing wallpaper at Grandpa's house.

(Sadly, not pictured) Quick visit to hold beautiful baby Paislee, and hug her mom Heather, her aunt Angie and her Grandma (Aka Aunt Muff)

Final goodbyes.

We head off in a slightly less cramped car, towards an slightly more empty home.

FYI, extended release is definitely a less painful way to go!