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 :)