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!!!