First Meet of the Season - Tiger Run

Saturday, August 31 (our anniversary)

Robert might have ran in the Freshman 4K but with his injury he had to miss this race.  He also had to miss the Boone County soccer game later this evening, but more on that later.

The morning started out nice, but with extremely high humidity.  The temperature was only 84 but the head index was 95 when the athletes were running.

We got there in time to watch the Varsity boys run - and we were sweating just running from place to place to watch them - I can't imagine how exhausted they felt.  Trenton ran in the race and was in the front for the first mile or two but fell back to 16 and looked like he was about to walk or pass out by the end of it.  I've never seen him like that.  He always makes running look effortless.

Marissa has been trying to overcome a cold or allergies.  She came home Tuesday or Wednesday feeling very drained, and congested in the head.  She has tried to get good rest and recover from this.  We told her not to worry about this race - especially since she hasn't been feeling good and the weather is so hot...

Erin Edmundson, Charlotte Gettlefinger and Marissa Lowe
- top 3 runners for NOHS

Marissa ran in the Varsity race which started promptly at 10:15.  The boys Varsity race was at 9:30 and some of the most experienced runners were struggling with heat exhaustion, so witnessing that, Betsy ran over to the Varsity girls before the race and gathered up all the water she could to pour it over the heads and necks to keep them cool during the race.  We also made sure Marissa took her inhaler before the race.  

friends:  Christina, Kenzie, Kelsey, Brittani, and Marissa

at 10:15 the gun goes off - Marissa didn't get a great start but it wasn't terrible either.   At the first mile she is in the top 40 and right behind Charlotte.

at the mile mark

 Marissa worked hard to work her way up to the front.  I noticed the South girls behind her.

This is probably after the 2 mile mark.  She is in third for the team but has worked her way up to the front.  I noticed that the South Oldham girls are still right behind her.

on the back stretch of the last mile

just before the finish

Kendall and Kaitlyn

After the race we found out that Caitlyn lost one of her shoes within the first 500 yards and Kendall also got spiked (but the spike didn't come off) during the race.  Our two fearless warriors.

Betsy and Karl

This was Karl's first cross country meet ever.  He couldn't stand the heat.

The best part of the whole meet was that coach Greg Phillips was there to cheer on the girls.  It was so great to see him.  Marissa really appreciates his advice.

Marissa and Coach Greg Phillips

Devon Climbed the Y

On Friday, August 29 Devon and a group of friends hiked up the the BYU "Y" at sunset.  He sent us these photos!

Provo - from the Y

Devon is BYU Bound

Such an exciting time for Devon...

On Tuesday morning Mark took Betsy and Devon to the airport after our traditional send off breakfast. We met up with Hannah Orr and flew out together.

Excited to go

Travel companions

So happy for my boy!

We arrived in SLC around 2:00.  We ran into a small challenge at the rental car place - when Betsy reserved the car, she was only driving her and Devon to Provo, but then I offered to give Hannah a ride... which meant her luggage too!  OOPS.  I forgot about that.  Luckily they had a larger car for only $39 extra dollars.  We took it - and away we went down Interstate 15 to Provo.

We dropped Hannah off at her sister, Jenny's apartment and then checked into the Marriott before getting dinner and shopping at Target.  $501 later, Devon has everything he needs (or at least everything we remembered).

The next day (Wednesday) was a breeze.  Everything went so well.  We had no wait to check into his dorm.  He is in Building 9 (the new one)...it's very nice.  After checking in we went over to the Wilkenson Center to get his BYU ID.  No wait - sweet!  We stopped at the bookstore to pick up his pre ordered book order - sweet!  It was all boxed up and ready to go.  I had already paid so - again no wait!

Devon's Room

Devon's roommate hadn't checked in yet so that gave us plenty of space to get settled in.  It was SO much easier getting Devon settled in than it was Jessica.  For starters he only had 2 large suitcases and 1 suit bag and 1 carry on.  We unpacked and hung up the clothes, set up the vanity drawers (first aid, snacks, and toiletries), made the bed and set up the computer and printer.  Devon put together his night stand.  What a breeze.  

As Betsy was unpacking the BYU book order she noticed that they duplicated it.  Wow, no wonder he had so many books.  We had 2 of everything.  We went back to the Wilkenson Center around 12:30 to return the books and then we met Alan Lowe for lunch.  Awesome!

Uncle Alan and Devon

While standing in line to get our food (Teriyaki Sticks) Betsy heard someone call her name.  When she turned around there was her friend, Sarah Barton that she knew from the days we were in the Langley Ward.  We've kept in touch through the years with photos, letters and FB so it was easy to recognize each other even though it's been about 20 years since we've seen each other in person.

Betsy with Sarah Barton

 Every day Devon will have the chance to see Mount Timpanogos.  I left a photo of our family at the top as a reminder and inspiration for Devon to remember to keep going even when things get tough.

 Thursday, Friday and Saturday are Orientation for Devon (and parents).  At 8:30 am Devon went to the BYU Track and Field for check in.  Then at 11:00 there was an orientation meeting in the Marriott Center for students and Parents.  It was packed.  It is an outstanding group of students.  Devon was in the center section.  

For the evening Honor Night with David Betterman (play on words) Devon was selected to sit in the front row.  What a great night - what a great day.  Devon met a lot of guys from his dorm and people from his Y group.

After the Betterman show, the students went to the stadium to have a group Y photo taken of them and then a pep rally and dance.  After the dance I came back to Devon's dorm to say goodbye.  It was so hard to realize I was leaving him for good.  At the time it didn't feel real, but I hadn't even driven out of the Helaman Halls before tears started to roll down my check as I already was missing him.  It will be so hard to not have him around the house every day!

Devon, we are so proud of you and know you are going to do great and have a wonderful experience at BYU!  Best wishes!!!

Many Traditions - Dinners and Breakfast

Friday night Devon took Marissa and Robert out to dinner at Devon's favorite - Longhorn.  They had a great time together, laughing and enjoying some "last minute" times together.  Afterwards, Marissa and Robert convinced Devon to take them out to Graeter's too.  WOW!  Devon must love his little sister and brother to take them out to two places in one night.

Monday night Mark and Betsy took Devon out for his special, "Last Night at Home" dinner before college.  We did this with Jessica and loved it so much it has become a tradition.  We loved having this chance to just talk with him about this next chapter in his life.  It is a chance to give advice and help him prepare for what is ahead.  We hope and pray he will take our advice and have a very successful semester (year for that matter) at BYU.

Tuesday morning is the "Good bye Breakfast".  Tradition has it that on the morning of a significant send off (College, mission, etc) we go out to breakfast as a family.  Since this is a school day we will continue the tradition of having breakfast at McDonalds.

Week 16 - Jessica Comes Home from the Hospital

Hello everyone!!!

Oh my goodness I love you all so much! The support and love I have felt from you all is amazing and I can truly say I felt all of your prayers and that they work. So thank you thank you thank you! You all are incredible :) So as i'm sure most of you know these past 2 weeks have been a little different for me haha. I spent 10 days in the hospital, but was released on Saturday and am feeling SO much better! I get to go back to work like normal tomorrow and I'm so so so excited! So for those of you who don't know what i'm talking about or want to hear it from me here is my little adventure from last week. Who's ready for story time?? Ok, so once upon a time I woke up Aug 15 and found this big ugly rash all over me and I felt really sick like I was gonna throw up and then got really dizzy so I sat down. Next thing I know I wake up on the floor where I apparently had passed out for almost 10 minutes. Luckily my companion sister Calaunan ran and got our neighbor who has a car and they took me to the hospital. I spent my first hour there in the emergency room where they tried to jumpstart my heart because they told me later it was low and close to flatlining (yikes haha) and then I woke up later in the ICU where I spent the next 5 days and 4 nights... ya not exactly your ideal morning haha. But you know what? It really put my faith to the test and made me put my complete trust in the Lord. I know he loves me as he does all of us and is watching over me. My very favorite scripture is in the Bible- Joshua 1:9 and I had it running through my head the entire time I was there to give me strength and to help me be brave. It says "Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid neither be thou dismayed for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest." I know without a doubt that God loves us and is there for us in our times in need. We don't ever need to be afraid or feel discouraged because he is with us and will give us strength during times of trial. Sometimes we don't know why things happen to us or why life just seems so hard at times, but I know that if we stay strong and put our faith in God, everything will turn out ok. Ezra Taft Benson once said "When we put God in the forefront of everything else in our lives, all other things will fall into place or drop out of our lives." I know this to be true. When we put God first and try to live as he would have us live, he will bless us and guide us to what he knows will bring us the most joy. He knows us better than we know ourselves and knows of our great potential. He wants us to be happy and if we let him guide us, he will bless our lives and lead us to peace and joy we never imagined we could have. In Proverbs 3:5-6 in the Bible we are counseled, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths." Sometimes life just seems to hurl problem after problem at us, but if we take it with a smile, having faith and trust in our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ, I know that we will be taken care of. When we put the gospel of Jesus Christ in the forefront of our lives and let God in, he WILL direct our paths for good and we can find peace in knowing he is leading us towards light and happiness. 

Wow look how insightful i've become haha. Just kidding, but for realz, when you're stuck in a bed for 10 days it's amazing how much reading you can get accomplished in the Bible, Book of Mormon and Conference talks haha. No I wouldn't consider myself a scholar but i'm working on it ;) 

I truly am so grateful for this opportunity to be a missionary here in the Philippines though, I know many of you might think i'm crazy for doing it. But I can truly say there is no greater joy than comes from serving others and sharing the happy gospel message with the wonderful Philippine people. I love you all and YES mom I am feeling SO much better and am wearing bug spray and drinking lots of water and everything else haha. I love you all so much and pray for you always! Thanks again for all the prayers- they really worked and for the emails! I probably won't be able to respond to all of them today but just know i love you :)

Mahal ko kayo!

Sister Lowe

Karl Nordenloew Arrives from Sweden

About a week ago, Betsy asked the family if we could be a host family for another foreign exchange student.  After our last experience some of the family didn't want to have the stress of another person in the home but Betsy really felt like it was something our family should do.  She prayed about it and continued to have that feeling.  We then decided that we should follow the prompting and invite an exchange student to stay with us.  His name is Karl Nordenloew and he is from Sweden.

Karl arrived in Louisville on Thursday, August 22 at 8:45 am from New York.  He arrived in the USA on Tuesday and attended training in NY for two days.  He is so excited to be in the states, in Kentucky.

We have him set up in the room we made for Jern Jern, 4 years ago (that then became Robert's room) but is now his.  He is a delight to have around.  He is willing to try new things.  He has a twin brother and an older sister at home.  His mom and dad are also very excited for Karl to have this opportunity.

Devon and Karl enjoying the Wii

Mark, Karl and Betsy

Karl had Thursday to relax and get adjusted to the house and family.  Thursday afternoon we went to North Oldham High School to register him for classes and take a tour to show him around the school.

We then went to the Health Department in LaGrange to get an updated copy of his immunizations.

Friday morning Betsy took Karl to school with all the forms for registration.  He is taking:
1:  Business Math
2:  Current Issues
3:  Graphic Design
4:  Government
5:  Psychology
6:  English 3

He has his locker and lunch time - he's all set.  All we need to do now is get his school supplies and update his vaccines.

Robert Requires MRI

Robert had been experiencing some pain in his right hip for these two weeks off and on.  At first he didn't want to go to the doctor, but after a while Betsy decided we'd better get it checked out.

We saw Stacie Grossfeld on Wednesday at 2:50.  Robert wined and complained the whole way there upset that he was missing school and declaring that nothing was wrong.  I really hoped he was right, but I also knew we needed more information.

After she examined him, she ordered a STAT MRI.  Oh my goodness!  She suspects a stress fracture in the hip.  Can this really be happening?  He's so young and we have so much going on...

At 8:00 pm Robert had his MRI done.  It took about  45 minutes.  He was a great patient.
We see the doctor tomorrow at 11:45 am.

THURSDAY:

After getting Karl from the airport and settled into the home, I picked up Robert at school and headed off for the doctor's office again.  Three doctor appointments in less than 24 hours.  That's very good service.  We were pleased to read on the report that he did NOT have a hip fracture, but it did say that he had a stress injury in the Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine.

Robert has to take two weeks off of activity and then he can return at 1/2 practice.  This week counts as week 1, next week will be week 2.  The good news is that he will only miss the first 3 games ... hopefully that's all.

Week 15 - Jessica Remains in the Hospital

The next day we received another email (actually two - one from Jessica and one from the Senior Missionary Couple that came to visit her).

This is her email:

Hey Mom!  The couple missionaries came by to visit me here in the hospital and they let

 me use their iPad to email you. :)  I'm still in the ICU but the doctors said I should be 

able to go to a private room tomorrow.   I'm doing OK and feeling better than yesterday 

so don't worry about me. (I know that's hard for you haha), but for real I am just dandy 

and just making the most of my time here. I've given out all my pamphlets and talked to 

all my nurses about the church haha. Well I just really quick wanted to let you know I'm 

doing good and will be moving out of the ICU tomorrow. I love you so much and tell dad 

and the kids I love them and miss them!!! You all are the best!! 

Love always 


Jessica :)

This is their email:

Sister Lowe,

 We visited your daughter this evening for over an hour and decided we will adopt

 her as a grandchild. What a wonderful daughter you have raised. I hope you are 

very very proud of her. We sure are. Despite being in the hospital she has a 

wonderful attitude and has no problem smiling. To speak to her, you would have no

 clue that there was a problem. She is really a choice young lady. We will 

continue to visit her daily whenever possible. Thank you for sharing your 

daughter with us in the Olongapo Mission.

 

 Elder & Sister Gorringe

This is my email back:

Thank you so much for the kind words.  She is pretty special :).  She is a light 

and a joy in our lives.  We hope and pray for a speedy recovery.  Thank you so 

much for visiting her.  I think that is the hardest part for me - that I can't be

 with her at this time, but She is very strong and has a great testimony.  I know

 that our faith in The Lord she will be back serving in no time.  She is loving 

the opportunity to serve the filipino people be a full time missionary.  Thank 

you again for visiting her.  We are so grateful for your service.  We pray for 

all the missionaries!!!  

Sincerely, 


Betsy Lowe

Unfortunately, she didn't get to move to a private room the next day because she had a slight relapse 

and had to stay in ICU one more day.  The rash came back and the heart rate dropped again.  She was 

really strong until that happened and then I think it started to scare her that this might not go away.  I 

know she will be healed because of the powerful setting apart that she received and her great desire to 

serve the people their by sharing the most precious Gospel of Jesus Christ with them.   As much as this 

has been terribly hard on me, not being able to be with her, it has been a huge comfort to know that she

 has never been alone.  Someone has been with her the whole time.

Even if we wanted to break out and fly over there we couldn't see her because a monsoon and a 

typhoon have flooded the lands.  

Success at Second Scrimmage

Another great day for soccer.

The JV plays first this time - Saturday, August 17 at 12:00.  We are playing Bethlehem Christian high school at the Burke Branch Park in Shelbyville, KY.  It's a great facility with two soccer fields, baseball, etc.  Bethlehem is expected to have a very good team.

Robert starts the game back on defense.  Since the game was announced at short notice there are some players that could not be at this game.  Robert being flexible was able to play on left defense.  He did a great job.  Bradley Dean scored our first goal 1-0.  Great job!  Then a player from Bethlehem scored - we are tie 1-1 at half.

About half way through the game, Robert was moved to the left midfield.  We score a second goal by Blake Reitnaur making the score 2-1, and following almost immediatley after we scored another goal by Keyon Gheyomi making the score 3-1.

The game ended 3-1.  Way to go NOHS Mustangs.  It's a win against Bethlehem.

Record 2-0

Jessica in the Hospital in the Philippines

Tonight I received the phone call I didn't want to receive.  I received a call from the Philippines LDS doctor and in field representative saying that Jessica was in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) in a hospital in Olongapo.  Oh my gosh - so I asked what had happened.

They told me she woke up with a rash on her arm, hand, foot and leg and didn't feel well.  That she passed out in her apartment and was driven to the hospital where the treated her in the emergency room for an hour and moved her to the ICU for a very low heart rate.  She has been in the ICU 3 days.  Her heart rate has improved and they have treated the rash with steroid and anti-histamines.

I let him know that she was an athlete and that she, her dad, mom and siblings all have low heart rates. He responded, "Well, I think 20 is a bit too low."  20 - I about fell out of my skin.  No one's heart rate is 20.  That is incredibly low.  Oh my gosh!!!  Then he followed up by saying, "she had been given Epinephrin - it would go up to 40 but then back down to 20.  It is now somewhere between 40 and 50 and we are hopeful she is improving every day."

Wow!  20 - what happened to my daughter?

I asked him if I could talk to her or her doctor and he said it was fine to talk to both.  We called later that night and talked to Jessica for about an hour (yes, I will have a huge phone bill next month - well worth it).  She sounded very good and told us a little more about what happened.

The next day we received an email from her Mission President.  This is what it said,
"Brother and Sister Lowe:

Your daughter is one of the best missionaries we have in Olongapo. She has only been here for two months but can speak Tagalog already. She is amazing! Her dedication to the work is very commendable. Her devotion to the Lord is such a great example to everyone. We had the chance to visit her today and happy to let you know that she is getting better and hopefully she can be transfered to the private room tomorrow from the ICU.

We pray for her recovery soon.

Best regards,

President Roberto Querido

PHILIPPINES OLONGAPO MISSION

Km 140 Mangan Vaca, Subic, Zambales

2209 Philippines

(+63)918-911-6857

---

We also received an email from the Mission Office AP's - this is their email.

From: Philippines Olongapo Mission
Sent: Saturday, August 17, 2013 9:40 AM
To: betsy4kids@aol.com; Mark.Lowe@flextronics.com
Cc: Roberto (Bayobo) Querido
Subject: Sister Jessica Lowe

Brother and Sister Lowe,

We had a chance to visit your daughter earlier today in the hospital in Olongapo. 

We took  a picture of her (above) and wanted to let you know that she is doing quite well. While talking with her, her spirits are still high and she’s loving missionary work. She has even been talking to the nurses that are attending to her and inviting them to learn about the restored gospel. We gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon in Tagalog so that she could give that out if she gets the chance. She has been an inspiration to us here in the Philippines Olongapo Mission that even though she’s confined to a hospital bed, her spirit is still striving to teach those around her. She’s improving every day and we expect to see a quick recovery. We asked her if she needed anything, and she told us that she was doing fine and that she would just like to go out and get back to work. 

Your daughter is doing amazing things in her area with Sister Calaunan and the members love and support her. She is anxious to get back to them and work. Some of the members from Hermosa have visited her in the hospital as well. They have all expressed their love for your daughter and they want the best for her. She has been in our constant prayers. We thank you for raising such a fine young daughter, and we are thankful for this chance to work with her here in the Philippines Olongapo Mission.

Sincerely,

Elder Howes

Elder Maraon

Assistants to the Mission President

2013 First Day of School

On August 13th a Tuesday, the first time ever, the kids had the first day back to school.  Marissa is a Junior this year and Robert is a Freshman.  We have such great kids!  We are so proud of them and very excited for them to be together in high school.

Marissa 16, Robert 14

The first day of school is also the first day of Seminary.  They leave the house at 6:50 am for seminary that starts at 7:10.  They are in class until 8:00 am.  School starts later this year - not until 8:45 so that give Robert and Marissa 45 minutes between Seminary and School - too much time in my opinion.  Hopefully they will use the time wisely.

This year Marissa can drive to school.  She has her permit right now, but in a month she will take her driving test and then she will be able to drive Robert and her to Seminary. 

 

Marissa ready to drive!

Week 14

Kumusta po kayo!

Ok so I just realized that this is like a HUGE year for the Lowe family! I'm out here being a cool missionary, Devon goes to BYU in a couple weeks (ahhh Dev i'm so excite for you!!! and write me back :p haha) Marissa is a Junior?? Who told you you could get old and beautiful marissa? I just know when I get home i'm gonna be beating boys down with a stick just to talk to you haha. And Robert... High school? No way. Not my lil bro! Man... time sure does fly. Well I hope you all are doing AMAZING and know that I love you and think of you often :) So wow this has been an AMAZING week! Our zone and district split because of all the new missionaries coming in and I love love love my new zone and district! This week we have been preparing 4 people for baptism as well as find new investigators and trying to help bring back our less actives to church. Can you say buuusssyyyy? Every night when we came home after planning I would just shower and practically fall asleep on my knees. Like no joke Sister Calaunan had to wake me up because I fell asleep on my knees saying prayer haha. But hey! That just means we're working hard right?? And this week we really saw the fruits of our labor. Yesterday was possibly the BEST day of my mission and I could not stop smiling all day! It was probably really creepy haha. But anyways, On Saturday we had the baptism of the Capoquian family (the family of Jimboy) and Florence Oleguer (Gardo's brother) and oh my gosh it was so beautiful! They were all just glowing and so excited to make this step in their life and come closer to Christ. 

At the baptism

After their baptism they all got up and bore the most beautiful testimonies and it was incredible for me to know that everything they were saying we taught them. We helped bring peace and happiness to their lives and each and every one of them shared how grateful they were to God for sending us his missionaries to them. When they stood up there and looked at me and thanked me by name, the joy and happiness I felt cannot be explained. Then yesterday they all received the gift of the Holy Ghost and were sustained as the newest members of Hermosa ward. Then Jimboy, Gardo, and Florence (all previous investigators of ours who are now baptized) were sustained to receive the priesthood next week! And to top it all of we had a ton of investigators and less actives come to church and we had a record breaking church attendance of 202!!! This is why i'm here. To help make others happy and bring the gospel to their lives. Ahhhhh guys being a missionary is the bomb! 

I wish I had more time to write and tell you everything that goes on here but as usual i'm out of time :p Just know that I love you all and think about you and you are all in my prayers!

MAHAL KO KAYO and keep the faith! Know you are never alone and that someone in the Philippines loves you :)

NOHS Soccer's first scrimmage

The NOHS Boys soccer team played in the Soccerama Tournament hosted by Shelby County.  Our first game was on Saturday, August 10 before school even starts.

The boys new uniforms hadn't come in so they broke out black shorts and socks from home and wore the old black jerseys for the game - they all looked great - no one knew the wiser.

The boys had to be at the school and on the bus at 10:15 because at 10:16 the bus would be gone... good thinking.

The games were held at Martha Layne Collins high school in Shelbyville, KY.  The Varsity played first, then the JV played two 35 minute halves.

The Varsity team won 4-1 against Shelby County.

JV Team watching the Varsity play

Around 2:00 the JV team started.  Robert didn't start the game, but was subbed in within the first 15 minutes and then played the rest of the game.  He came in as a left wing.  Within the first 5 minutes of being in the game he made an assist to Bradley Dean for a goal!  1-0.

The second goal was scored by Trevor DeGruccio 2-0.

While still in the first half, Bradley Dean passed to Trevor DeGruccio for another goal making the score 3-0.

Just before the half, the Shelby County team was able to score one - half time score 3-1.

Robert driving the ball

Working with Blake

Marking a great move to get into space

Robert had a great opportunity

Neither team scored in the second half - final score 3-1.  Way to go NOHS Mustangs!!!

Week 13 - Jessica on her mission - 3 months

Almost 3 months into her mission!

Jessica looks so happy!!!

She is standing in a jungle.

Look at the terrain around her - Oh my goodness!

The Trip Home

Thursday:  We left Provo around 2:30 pm after having delicious Hawaiian Shaved Ice directly across from Helaman Halls.  They were huge ...

We drove for hours - passing Aches National Park (we wanted to stop but just didn't have the right timing - it would have closed just as we got there).  We stayed the night in Glenwood Springs, CO.  This seams to be where we stop every time we leave Provo going home on Interstate 70.  We had a wonderful night - dinner at Qdoba, a suite at the Ramada.

Friday:  Up at 7:00 am and on the road.  Breakfast at 9:00 at McDonalds (so typical).   We drove, and drove.  This time we drove through CO and KS.  We ended up staying the night in Junction City, KS.  We had dinner at Cracker Barrel and an enjoyable night at the Courtyard Marriott.

Saturday:  Last night we decided to try and make the rest of the trip in one day.  It's totally doable but it's just a very long day of driving.  We were up at 7:00 am again!  We had breakfast further down the road.  For some reason today seemed the longest, but it really was about the same as yesterday.  We had lunch at Subway (Mark and I had the applewood pulled pork - yum).  We pulled  into "home" around 8:30 pm.  Mark and I returned the rental van and made it back by 9:30.  So nice to be home and be able to sleep in our own beds - and sleep in tomorrow.  Church now starts at 1:00 pm for the next year!  YEAH!!!

Thursday - Tour BYU and Provo

Thursday morning was a wonderful morning because we slept in a little longer than previous days and that felt wonderful.  For some reason (I guess 5 people in one room) I haven't been sleeping that well.  I think I have, but then the next day I'm exhausted and worn out.  UGH!

Anyway, today was wonderful.  We got breakfast and packed up, loaded the van with everything.  We headed over to Bringham Young University (BYU).  We parked the car right by Devon's dorms and the Cannon Center (where he will be eating his breakfast and dinners while at college) and walked the same walk he will take in just a few short weeks.

Mark and Devon lead us on a tour of all the buildings that Devon has classes in, and Betsy helped to keep them in the right order - "this is where you will start on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; This is where you will start on Tuesday, Thursday... etc."  We worked out a very nice routine for Devon.  He is lucky - all of his buildings are very close together and the Wilkinson Center (where he will have lunch) and the Library are in the middle of his buildings.

After our tour we walked over to the Wilkinson Center to SHOP!!!!  We got some BYU spirit wear (Marissa bought a BYU Camelpak water bottle) and some missionary stuff - Philippines key chains and one Scotland key chain for Sister Fisher.  I hope she likes the gesture.

We also had fun looking for places Jessica went and recreating pictures ... like this one ...

Jessica took this photo Freshman year

Betsy took this photo of Mark, Marissa and Robert

 After our BYU tour we had HAD to stop at the Hawaiian Shaved Ice stand.  On Wednesday night there was a huge line.  Mark wanted all of his kids to taste the fantastic "melt in the mouth" Hawaiian Shaved Ice.  AND IT WAS DELICIOUS

Eating real Hawaiian Shaved Ice

YUM!!!