They say "all good things must come to an end" and after 18 years of having our sweet baby girl, Karli, in our home it was time for her to move on with life. Therefore, we made one of those insane "get there and back as quick as you can" trips to drop Karli off for her first semester of college at BYU Idaho. We are used to doing the Porterville/Provo insanity drive, but did you know that Porterville to Rexburg drive is more insane--like 15 hours insane? Rexburg, home to BYU Idaho is about 4 hours beyond Provo and in the middle of nowhere (I'm sure that comment is offensive to anyone from that part of Idaho- sorry--but it's true!) After pulling an all nighter we drove into Rexburg at about 10 am.
Now- we are not novices at taking kids to college- done it four times now-but I have never seen anyone fill up an entire van with stuff like Karli did. We took Gary to college and packed all his stuff and 4 extra kids in the car and had more space than we did on this trip! Here's Karli in the van surrounded by her "bare essentials" with just enough room to sit.
Karli was the last of four roommates to arrive at Perkins Hall- her new "home away from home". Her roommates had been waiting for her and were all so sweet. We lucked out and had all three girls and their parents haul Karli's stuff up to her room for us. Such nice people! We were unloaded in about 5 minutes!
After a day full of orientations, meetings, activities and unpacking, Karli was nearly settled in except for shopping. Helpful hint: never go to Walmart in Rexburg on Freshman Orientation Day. I think nearly every freshman and their parents were there. There was pretty much nothing left on the shelves. Albertson's wasn't any better, but somehow we managed to get Karli enough food for a couple of weeks. After a scenic tour of Rexburg that took all of five minutes (it's small) we bid Karli goodbye for the night. This was my birthday and I must say that it was a very bittersweet day for me.
Gary and I took off for Idaho Falls (30 minute drive) to spend the night, as all the hotels in Rexburg were full. Another helpful hint- book your Rexburg hotel room 3 months in advance--lesson learned. Back in Idaho Falls, Gary and I found the most amazing Super-Duper Mega huge Walmart where we finished off the last of Karli's shopping for her.We were up the next morning bright and early to deliver the goods before Karli's 2nd day of orientation. After some quick photos, we bid her a tearful goodbye.
Karli in front of her dorm apartment
Karli and her roommates already having fun!
It's hard to believe that our girl is grown up and on her own. I have to admit that BYU Idaho is really a beautiful campus, full of very nice people. I think it will be a good fit for Karli- even if it is in the middle of nowhere! :)
Good luck Karli- can't wait till you come home again!
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