Saying Bye to Katya

This saying "bye" to Katya deserves its own post. Although, to be honest, I have to kind of whizz pass this as thinking about it too much will bring too many sentimental feelings and nostalgia. 

So! Knowing that Katya was leaving for college in late August created a bunch of internal pressure for me to make sure to almost "cocoon" her... I was thinking the whole time...."last birthday together, last tennis tournament before she leaves, last beach trip when she is living at home". It was all a bit sad and exciting at the same time.

Most importantly, I was feeling bits of regret for not doing enough, doing too much, saying too much, not talking enough--and every possible scenario you can imagine. Time couldn't be turned back and I was having a difficult time accepting it. 

Disclaimer...as I am writing this three months after she left, I can say that it took me a bit of effort to start thinking more about everything that we did right to raise such an amazing human being and stop beating myself up for falling short in some ways. 

Katya did a wonderful job trying her hardest to participate in the last family activities and spend time with the boys. 

She cheered for Mark during his soccer match. 

And spent a bunch of time playing games which is something they all love to do. 

She drove them around and took them out to CFA for milkshakes. 

On the day of her leaving home, Saturday, Aug 21st, she said "bye" to our Pepper. 

Said "bye" to her room. 

And took pictures in front of our house. 

By then I was actually feeling better about this whole leaving home thing. 

Katya and her best parents ever!

I know how much the boys will miss her. 

It's such an exciting and sad feeling at the same time to watch her leave for college.

On the way to the airport. "Last ride to the airport together"

And the most difficult "goodbyes" of all--with her brothers. 

Okay, maybe this one was the toughest one of all. 

Seeing these three like this melts my heart and brings me to tears. 

Oh, we love you, Katya, so much!!! This is just a beginning on a new chapter of your life! Life is full of the new and unknown things and experiences. Excited to watch you grow and learn and laugh and have fun and follow your dreams. 

Our family is adjusting to this new phase as well, not dwelling too much that we are missing her a ton. 

Lyana.