Katya Starts BYU

Getting Katya to BYU was quite an ordeal because, you know, we don't really know what we are doing with this college business. Katya is our Guinea pig basically!

For a few days before Katya was scheduled to fly out, I was SO anxious and stressed...I was feeling a pressure of time...time to spend with Katya, make sure the family is gathered, that we've done everything we could do prepare her (we haven't) and worrying till the last moment whether or not we did a good job parenting her. Seriously, I need more confidence in that....Because, to be honest, Katya has turned out pretty amazing. 

We got to UT on a Saturday night, visited a bunch of good friends on Sunday and Monday and then on Tuesday, we were ready to move her in.

It was Katya and me for a full day, shopping for all the dorms stuff, exploring a bit of campus and getting her set up. 

In case you have forgotten--we are at BYU.

Some random guy asked us if we wanted a picture together by the sign. How could I refuse?

We went to Costco and bought a bunch of necessary things. 

And then rolled up to Helaman Halls where Katya would be staying. Winter in style--she was persistent she would wear this winter parka...will see. 

We found Katya's mail box at the Cannon Center. 

And, of course, her dorm room.... what an adjustment! We got all our stuff into her room and got to work. 

But we did take a break to go to the Wilkinson center, aka the Wilk.

"Y"s are everywhere.

Not much has changed on this side of the food court, but wow--the food choices and technological advances for ordering are quite impressive on the opposite side. 

We explored the Bookstore. 

And then finished moving Katya in, setting up her bed and closet. 

Katya using her amazing building skills, independently. 

We kind of set it up like this, but I am sure a week later it looked completely differently. 

AND! We got to see Liz and Ashley who had just flown in from Japan! Ashley is Katya's roommate, a friend from childhood when we all lived in Misawa. 

We are just so excited that they will have each other and already have a basis for their friendship! 

That night we went out to eat together to Brick Oven Pizza and had a wonderful time! I mean we all were such close friends in Misawa and then later in Europe! These are friends for life. 

At the end of the night I took Katya back to her dorm room, with her leftovers. And knew...it was time to go... 

Oh, what a wonderful daughter she is! So hard to let go! But she is ready! She is on her way to do her things, her way, carve her spot in the sun, while bringing joy to herself and others around her. This "squishy kiss" is my last attempt to hold on. Time to let her out of the nest now....

We love you, Katya!!!