The Little Things

This past week has been a little rough with school work, missing home and some other personal trials. However I have been able to be so blessed to realize the little things in life that make me so happy. The weather this week was just perfect. Not too warm, not too cold. Yesterday, in the wonderful weather, I got to spend most of my day with my brother, his beautiful wife, and their two adorable children. We drove up to Cascade Springs to walk around and look at the pretty trees.

 This picture is one when I felt like I was back in CT. For one there are a lot of trees and they are so gorgeous. Also you can't see the mountains in the background which is definitely more like the East :) 

They are such a cute family!

After we went to the park for a little bit and boy do I love

 being a little girl again swinging on the swings :) Jacob loves

his swinging too!

I'm so grateful to be here in Provo attending BYU. I love having some family close enough to spend some quality time with. I'm really so lucky to be surrounded by family and friends who love and support me. I have learned so much and I can't wait to see what the future holds. 

Whirlwind of Adventures

Since I last posted all the back in JULY (man its been a while!) so much has happened. I would say the biggest thing is that I left for Utah...what? Yup I'm finally here in Provo at BYU. Leaving my home of 17 years was a lot harder than I ever expected. All summer long I was getting really excited to start my new life and go out on my own and become my own person. As the day to leave came closer and closer I became less and less excited. Finally it was time to leave and my heart ached. I couldn't see myself saying goodbye for four months. Leaving my best friend, my beautiful sister Holly, brought tears to my eyes. She has already grown up so much since I left and I feel like I'm missing all her fun. She is a sophomore in high school and I know she is having such a blast. I wish I could experience it with her. I can NOT wait to see her again in December!! Leaving my dad and little brother was such a strange feeling. I have always been so close to my dad and I loved all our jokes and silly moments. If you really want to discuss silly though, that award goes to Nathan. What a joy he is to have as a younger brother. He loves giving me hugs and telling me how much he loves me and I LOVE it. The hardest thing I experienced however was walking out of security in the airport and turning back to see my mom one last time. Oh how I wanted to run back and give her just one last hug. As I write I can't stop the tears from flowing. She is my inspiration. I knew that I would have to turn back around and walk off without turning back again. Once I forced myself to do it I almost broke down but then I realized I wanted to make her proud. I want my mom to know how much she means to me and how much I have learned from her. I'm counting down the days until I get to play a round of spades with her and go to D'Angelo's for some lunch :)
So many things have happened since I have been here and it has only been a little over a month. For one, I have the best roommates I could possibly have. Jessica (she is my "room" roommate) is so wonderful. She has been right by my side to help me whenever I need it. Even when I don't hear my alarm go off in the morning she certainly does and she wakes me right up! There are a million more experiences to share but for now I'm going to make one last comment. Being from Connecticut the weather here is very different but last week it snowed! I felt like I was home again in the crisp air, smelling the fresh scent of the wind. Most people were not enjoying the early winter and although I'm sad I didn't get my New England autumn, this weather brings back many fond memories of my childhood in Connecticut. I do miss my family very much but I know that BYU is where I am supposed to be right now to learn, grow and have new experiences! Here are some fun pics of my first month here, hope you enjoy!

Snacks I made for a Relief Society activity

Kyla, me and Jess posing for pics with McKenna brushing her teeth :D 

Mariah, Camari, me and Kyla doing our wall sits

My lovely roommate Jessica :)