Nanna's Big Move!

This past weekend we took my little sister up to her new college apartment. It was bitter sweet for all of us. We are so proud of her and know that this is what and where she wants and needs to be, but it sure is hard to see her go. It is going to be so strange to visit my parents and not have her there. It will be hard when Brenna wants to see her Aunt Nanna (her absolutely favorite person!) and then have to explain to her that she won't be able to see her for a while. But most of all it is just hard to believe that the time has past so fast and she is ready to make this new step in her life!

The trip was kinda crazy! We all did not go to bed until at least 1:30am and then back up again at 4:30am to get ready to hit the road. Then Angela's brake broke, literally, and we were stuck at the only gas station for miles and miles and miles. We were truly blessed because her car broke down about 15 feet past the entrance to the only area of habitation for a very, very long time! But Dustin got it fixed enough to get us there (so very grateful he was there! :D ) and we were on our way again. Then we helped her get settled until about midnight, went to the hotel and crashed for a couple of hours and then Dustin, Travis, Brenna and I headed back home because Dustin had to be back at work at 7pm that night. So it was a quick, exhausting trip, but I am so glad I got to be apart of it!

I cried when she graduated 8th grade and moved on to High School. I cried when she had her first date, and when she told me about her first kiss, her first love, her high school graduation. And now I have been a basket case as we have packed her up and she has moved out of state, enrolled in college, and begun this whole new life away from us all. Things will never be the same.

I know I probably sound more like a mom than a sister, but Angela is just special. I was nine when she was born and since the moment of her birth she as been like my daughter, my sister, and my best friend all rolled up into one amazing person in my life. She is noble, kind, fun-loving, a peacemaker, intelligent, beautiful, generous, hilarious, creative,spunky, sarcastic, sweet, and everyone's favorite. Somehow, even though all of my siblings are incredibly close to each other, I think that we would all say that we are the closest to Angela. We are all going to miss her!

She however is not going to miss us nearly as much! She is so happy with her decision. There are activities all the time! She is such as social butterfly and this is exactly what she has dreamed of! She is in an apartment with 3 other girls. One of which she has been going to school with since kindergarten! They all seem fantastic and I think they are going to get along great! She is busy, busy with all kinds of activities both school directed and church directed. AND she has only been there a few days and she already has been asked out on 2 dates! Not that I am surprised!

Here are just some random pictures of the trip. I was extremely picture happy, but stupid me got into full out business mode once we got there and did not get a single picture of Angela and her new apartment! I am so upset about that! Hopefully Brooke's mom got some good ones! Sorry Nanna!

This we all just found humorous! You know, nice Indians as opposed to the ones who will take you out back and beat you for coming into their store! Hahaha!

Dustin, Travis, and Brenna on our way back home. Enjoying the beautiful view while stretching our legs.

I absolutely hate the idea of Angela alone on the road between college and home, but it sure is a beautiful drive! This is the view from the cement blocks that we sat on while Dustin and Travis fixed Angela's car.

Gorgeous!!!

Brenna was such a good girl on the long drive! We were so proud of her! And Travis was an enormous help! Especially the first day. He rode along with me and kept her entertained while I drove my mom's van and Dustin and Angela drove her car. My parents left the night before.

Dustin driving back. He was such a trooper! We were all so exhausted!

We enjoyed a fun family game night before Nanna left. Even my dad played which he almost never does. Games are not really his thing!

Nanna we are so proud of you! We wish you luck in all you set out to do! We think of you and pray for you always!