Brandon is off to BYU!

My sister Ali told me recently that I should NOT see the movie Toy Story 3 because Andy grows up and goes to college, leaving his childhood behind. She said it made her emotional, and her kids are nowhere near college. I took her at her word and have avoided this movie, as my real life parallels it too closely! My little boy has grown up into a remarkable, mature, independent young man - not sure when that happened.

Two weeks ago we drove to Utah to take Brandon to BYU. He attended a Late Summer Honors program for a week before the other freshman arrived (what a great experience - definitely a fun way to start college!) He lived in a "temporary" dorm room in Helaman Halls, rooming with a friend from Vancouver.

Last Saturday the rest of our family met Brandon on campus to help him move into his "real" dorm room in Helaman Halls. His roommate for this school year (a friend from middle school) would not arrive for another four days, with the rest of the freshman. We tried to help Brandon get settled and enjoyed seeing the campus with him and and Grandma and Grandpa Springer. There was a last minute emergency run to Target for more supplies, a final refueling at Cafe Rio, and then we gathered as a family in Brandon's new home.

The dorm room is, unsurprisingly, small and unimpressive, but I think he will love it. I remember well how great it was to have a small piece of the world which was MINE, no matter how small or humble.
We had a family prayer, and then Dan gave Brandon a beautiful father's blessing. The spirit was very strong, witnessing as to the incredible potential and strength Brandon possesses. Bailey, Aubrey, and I fought tears through the blessing, the hugs afterward, and all the way home to Draper. We didn't fight them very well, actually, but we tried to save our most impressive sobs for the car, after we said goodbye to Brandon. It was hard to leave him there alone, even though we are so excited for his opportunities for fun and learning. We will miss his presence, the way he is a peacemaker in our home, his sense of humor, his interesting conversations and insights about life (talking long into the night), and his bone crushing hugs after family prayer.

Then next morning we drove straight through to Vancouver. When we arrived, we found beautiful notes addressed to each family member which Brandon had left on each of our pillows. As we were leaving home, Brandon had lingered for awhile in each room, feeling the closure and the transition in his life. He must have taken a minute then to leave the notes.

Good luck on your new adventures, Brandon. There will always be people at home who love you, support you, and will always cheer you on in whatever you do. We love you!

Grandma Springer is in a wheelchair or knee scooter following a major foot surgery. Joseph insisted on pushing the wheelchair around the BYU campus. It was SO hot that day - upper 90 degrees.
Hanging out on Brandon's bed in the dorm room. The cinder block wall is oh-so-comfy to lean against!


As we left the dorm Saturday night, we took this picture of Bailey standing outside the "no women allowed" sign at Brandon's dorm. We are such rule breakers! (Look closely and you can see evidence of tears!) I am standing next to her in the picture, but I edited myself out of the picture. Let's just say that my teary-eyed look was not very attractive.Yes, it's true. This summer Bailey grew several inches and passed me up in height. She is taking after her Aunt Kara and Aunt Ali!