prepare for BYU

Once Betsy got home from her cruise with Mark, it was an immediate "shift gears," wash clothes and start preparing Jessica for her trip to BYU.  We had so much to do and only 3 days to do it (one of them being Sunday - so nothing going on there).  

Monday morning Jessica and I went through her closet.   We packed up all her "winter" clothes and got them out of the way.  Even though it's 90 degrees outside right now, she is going to need them sooner than later.  Then we went through all the "spring/summer/fall" clothes, shoes, etc.  We went through the bathroom, jewelry, pictures of friends and family.  Essentially she is moving out, but has a place to always come back too (plus she's only moving into half a room :)).  It was very hard for Jessica to make decisions on what to take and what should stay, but once she figured out if she "needed" it or not AND that "we could always buy it if needed" she was okay with the process.  We had six suitcases between us - I planned on using only 1/2 of one.  She could have all the rest.  It all worked out perfect, and we actually had room to spare (of course we do plan on buying a lot out there).  One thing that was a space saver where those "space" bags.  They don't reduce weight, but they do reduce size.  I was able to pack to complete bed sets (including comforter) in 1/4 the space of it's natural space.

On the morning that Jessica and I were to fly to Provo, we had Marissa and Devon skip Seminary so we could go out for a family breakfast to have one last time with Jessica before she leaves for college.  Doesn't Robert look sad…

The family together - at the send off!

Devon was quick to say goodbye - not too emotional

Robert was a bit more - but still strong like a guy 

Marissa had most of her tears the night before, she wrote Jessica a letter to read on the plane.  These two are very close!

The one that took goodbye the hardest was Mark.  He was very teary and just so sad to see her go.  I was lucky - I didn't have to say goodbye just yet, but then again, I will be the last to say good-bye and will not have anyone there to remind me it's only until Christmas, and we can Skype, etc.

Jessica you are such a joy and treasure in our family.  We know you are going where you 1) want to go, 2) should be going and 3) we are so happy for you.  We love and miss you and hope you know we are always here for you.  We hope you have a wonderful experience at BYU and get excellent grades.  We know you are capable of accomplishing anything you set your heart and mind to do!  LOVE YOU!!!!