Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Our Final Moments in Utah...

We knew that the day would one day come. We just didn't think it would come so soon. We were leaving Utah, the place we called our home for two years and where Collin got his education. I had so many mixed feelings about moving, but I knew we were making the right decision about our new life ahead. There were just so many places that I wanted to remember that I decided to document our final moments in Utah. 

After Collin's graduation, we decided to go inside the Salt Lake temple. We've been wanting to go inside it for a long time plus it was my first experience. It's very unique compared to the other temples I've been in. I loved every minute of being there. I was blown away by the structure and design of the Salt Lake temple. It's amazing how much time and sacrifice the people made to build the temple! I didn't get a picture of us in front of the temple, but I managed to get a great picture before going inside. :)


It's so true what they say in primary hymns. :)

The Sunday after, we got to see Collin's sister Jocelyne and her cute little family. Collin's brother Miles and his wife Mikaela joined us too. Jocelyne, Paul, and their daughter Lila were in Utah to see Paul's family for a reunion. We got together at our place to have dinner as a family. It was so great to catch up with everyone. It was especially good to come together at this time since we were all going our separate ways soon. Miles and Mikaela were moving to Virginia, we were moving to Texas, and Joce and Paul had to go back to Colorado where they live. We also got to spend time with our sweet, playful niece Lila. She has grown so much since the last time we saw her, which was back in August. She walks, talks more, and loves music! It was a great feeling to be with Collin's siblings. Here is a cute picture of Lila.

 She's a cutie!!!

When May came along, we decided to go to Tulip Festival in Thanksgiving Point. It was near Pleasant Grove. It's such a pretty place! The last time we went was about 2 years ago when we were first dating. I had forgotten so much of it, but one thing I never forgot was just how beautiful it was. I loved all the different locations, artistic structures, and the many tulips that were seen. I found so many great opportunities to take pictures. It is a photographer's dream as Collin would tell me. :)


I got a picture of a bee and cherry blossoms




We got a picture in field of flowers!



 That's a lot of fish...

 Pointing to one of the pillars


 Inside The Secret Garden
 Kind of random, but I love this shot!

 The Paris Fountains. They were endless!!


 The red tulips in front of the carousel. 

Trying to recreate our picture in front of the waterfall 2 years ago... Not bad... :)

Beautiful sight to behold!

We had a ton of fun! We miss it.

Before we knew it, we had our last Sunday in our student ward in Provo. We've had to say goodbye to a wonderful bishopric and great friends that we have made. It was super bittersweet. As always, here's a picture. :)

Collin representing Texas by wearing the tie he got from his mission.

The girls in the relief society. I am so glad I had the privilege of serving these girls and befriending them. Such a great group of women!

As the first week of May went on, it was slowly hitting me that it was also my last week at my job at Sunrise Preschool. Since we had to check in to our hotel in Provo, my last day ended up being sooner than expected. Instead of Thursday, May 7th, it was Wednesday, May 6th. Ironically enough, it was teacher appreciation week so I guess it came at a good time. :)  I was going to really miss my students. I had so many mixed emotions that I was almost lost for words. On the last day, my supervisor Maile told all the kids in our class that I was moving to Texas. So they all came up to me and gave me big hugs goodbye. It was so cute and sweet. I probably teared up a bit. :) I was fortunate to have a great group of kids and amazing coworkers. They have not only taught me so much, but have also become great friends. There were definitely ups and downs, but overall, a fulfilling experience.

 My work badge. I was glad to keep it as a souvenir :)
 
 We ate bagels on my last day. I thought they decorated it so cute for teacher appreciation week.

 I worked with these two wonderful women in the same classroom. They were so easy going and the nicest ever!! 

We spent a lot of our last days in Utah cleaning and organizing our stuff. On Mother's Day, we got ready for our flight to Texas. As we were driving in our rental car, I heard a story on the radio that I used to hear as a little girl. I immediately just broke down in tears after hearing it. It was a combination of so many different things and I finally just let it all out. I was so overwhelmed with the move and getting everything situated for it. I was also going to really miss Provo. At the same time, I was happy to start a new life in Texas. I knew we were moving for the right reasons and that gave me comfort in knowing that everything will work out in Texas. I'm glad that we have the technology that we have today so I can save all the cherished memories I have wherever we go.


Friday, May 8, 2015

Collin The Graduate!

After 7 years at BYU, Collin is now a college graduate! I honestly can't believe I am saying that right now. This is a moment that we have been waiting for far too long. He has worked extremely hard to earn his bachelor of science degree in information technology. Now he is ready to go out into the real world! I honestly don't know who is more excited.... him or me.... Haha.

 Collin decided to walk for his graduation. He looks so handsome in a cap and gown. :)

I always thought I married a computer nerd. He knows every fact about a computer like the back of his hand. I certainly don't know anything about computers, but it's handy to have him around when my computer has problems. ;) With his IT major, not only did he know how to solve computer problems, but he also knows how to create internet websites, internet security, and apps for smart phones.  I could go on and on about what I learned about his major. Now I know that there was a reason why he would be up until half the night doing homework. But all those days of sleep deprivation payed off in the end. He made excellent grades because of all the hard work he put into it. That is totally like Collin to never quit until the work was done. He makes me a proud wife everyday.

April 23rd was the day of the commencement ceremony where all the graduates at BYU came together at the Marriott Center along with their families. Collin's brother Miles and his wife Mikaela were able to be there to cheer Collin on. Afterwords, his cousin Chase and his girlfriend Rebecca met us on the BYU campus where we took pictures. Chase is graduating with his bachelor's degree in public health. Collin and Chase were roommates for a long time so they have always been very close. By the end of the night, we all celebrated by going to an arcade called Nickel City. I always loved going there with Collin. Here are the pictures after commencement.

 The Marriott Center. That's a lot of graduates!

 Oh you know, he's just so happy...

 I love this picture of Collin and Chase!

 Collin pretending to create an app on his phone for his IT major and Chase pretending to check his pulse for his public health major. I thought this was clever. :)

Chase and his lovely girlfriend Rebecca
Our picture after commencement

Probably our best picture yet...
Matching Denim Shirts
The Brothers
Always a good time with these two...
The Ghost of Christmas Future...
He didn't want anymore pictures... Haha.
 Perfect photo bomb by Miles. :)

April 24th was the convocation ceremony. All the IT majors met at the Wilkinson Center on the BYU campus. After they announced his name, I shouted out, "I love you Collin!" I couldn't help it, while at the same time, I turned red. I was just so ecstatic that he had graduated with honors. My Coll Bear has received his degree! I took pictures of him getting his diploma right near the stage.

 Collin receiving his diploma

Walking off stage ready to enter into the real world

After graduation, I met Collin at the Crabtree Technology Building for a luncheon. We celebrated together by having a $20 night, where we each spent $20 on all the junk food we wanted! 

He always knew since he was in high school that he wanted to work with computers. After he got home from his mission as a sophomore, he declared his major as information technology. It took him a while to get to where he is, but he made it! We have received so much love and support from family and friends over the years at BYU. Next step, working for General Motors in Austin as a software developer. They are so lucky to have a brilliant man like Collin. We can't wait for our new life in Texas. Stay tuned for more about the Wheelers!

 The Crabtree Technology Building, where Collin spent most of his time.

 We were both very happy. :)