A Morales Minute

Koda is alway nearby. He's supposed to stay downstairs but one morning I happened to be upstairs a little longer than normal and so he come up to find me.  He loves to go for a ride to pick up Aidan after school. I just ask if he wants to go for a ride he's quick to get up and is eager to go with me.  I never thought I'd love a little live teddy bear like this before.   

Lindsey will send me little messages via instagram from time to time. It makes my day. She's so sweet. I miss this girl so much and getting messages like this tells me that she misses me and thinks of me too. I'm so thankful for technology that makes it possible for us to stay in touch so easily.   

We made it to Rexburg and immediately got Olivia moved in to her apartment. She's rooming with a friend from high school. That'll be a big help for Olivia since she wasn't quite ready to leave home yet. After her stuff was all unpacked we went to pick up her groceries.  Lindsey and Isaac helped as well. Isaac helped get the lights up on the wall. Lindsey helped get Olivia's kitchen drawers organized.  She has a cute set up. On suite bathroom even. That's why she and Makeda wanted this specific room. Having Lindsey living in Rexburg already allowed her to go and check in ASAP for Olivia and put a suitcase on Olivia's bed to claim the room. haha.  We walked around campus with Lindsey and Isaac. Showing Olivia where each of her classes would be. We got her books picked up as well.  Olivia is so funny. The first picture shows her real feelings. haha She's not super excited to be going to college. But I know she will have some good experiences. Having Lindsey and...

Jaime joined Olivia and I for lunch. We wanted to have a lunch out with her before we took her to Rexburg tomorrow morning.   Later in the afternoon we headed to Tyler's football game. It was a very rainy day to sit out in a football game. After enjoying some warmer Fall weather we get this.  Tyler didn't realize that Olivia would be leaving tomorrow. When we told the boys to give her a big hug tonight because she will be leaving tomorrow Tyler teared up. These two have gotten so close the last couple years. I had to try hard to fight back tears, it didn't work.  Seeing this made me remember two years ago... the night before we took Lindsey to Rexburg Olivia couldn't stop crying. Lindsey, being the brave big sister hugged and consoled and cried with Olivia. Saying goodbye to my kids is so hard. Seeing my kids sad about siblings moving out is even harder. I'm always so grateful for the relationships my kids have.   

The open house in Meridian turned out to be a second reception. It was set up very similarly to what we had done. It turned out great. The turn out was pretty small but I think that was due to it being in the middle of the afternoon on a Saturday when Fall sports season had just started. Families had lots of busy schedules to follow that day I'm sure. For example, Tyler has started football and couldn't miss practice so Aidan and I rode to Boise with Mom and Dad Friday afternoon. Jaime and Tyler came later Friday night after his practice. They got to the hotel not much sooner than Olivia did.  I love that my parents took the time to come for it even though they were at the reception. I don't think it's very likely that they'll be able to do that for all our kids. The closer location for this made it doable for them.  They had Dippin' Dots ice cream, chocolate covered strawberries, capri sun juice pouches and water bottles for refreshment to touch on their playfu...

Brian and Summer took Olivia to the airport this evening. She was a great worker in the office and helper in their home. They've created a lot of fun memories together.  I appreciate their hospitality and loving Olivia. Both Brian and Summer said it was tough sending her off. Summer said she got teary. I'm so glad they made a connection while she was there. Olivia was nervous at first just because she didn't know them super well. (The cousins of course. But being around adults is different) Olivia was grateful for their support. I feel so blessed to have Brian and Summer love my kids the way that they do.  Olivia is flying to Boise where we will pick her up for Lindsey and Isaac's open house. Then Olivia will be packing and going to Rexburg for her first semester there.  We made it to Boise and checked in to our hotel. Aidan and I rode up with Mom and Dad. Tyler and Jaime came later after football.  We walked in to the hotel and I said "Dad, you're the guest of...

Brian sent me these pictures. They went out to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. All the cousins enjoyed having Olivia with them this summer. They had a goodbye dinner for her tonight.  Nothing as good as those rolls with cinnamon honey butter. Yum! Football is in full swing for Tyler. He's on the freshman team. We're having a warm start to the Fall and I'm loving it! It makes being outside watching the games so enjoyable.  Bel was watching Tyler's game online and sent this. He's number 54. While we were at Tyler's game, Olivia was out for a paint class with Brian and the rest of his employees. It was a farewell night for Olivia and another girl who is moving.  Such a fun team building activity.  Brian treats his staff so well, and Olivia probably gets spoiled the most. 😃  

Aidan turns 16 today! He's still all tech, numbers, and thinking games He was able to get his license today. No kid is more excited than the day they get their license. I think some of it is the relief of being done with the class and tests. haha Aidan got to celebrate with friends a few days ago. They rocked the escape room and then went for ice cream at Kennewick Summer's Hub.