She is Starting Her New Life...

Micah and I helped Jennie load up her "new" car for another big adventure yesterday morning. After a somewhat eventful trip (she took a wrong turn in Vegas) she arrived safely at her new destination last night. What a relief to get the phone call that all was well. I thought I would share a few farewell photos taken by brother Micah. Please excuse my pajamas and messy hair--its for any of you who accuse me of looking too "put together";-)

As parents you know that it is always hard to have them leave the nest...with Jen it has been a recurring theme. First, when she went off right after high school graduation to apprentice with Colorado Ballet, again after college graduation when she accepted her first "real" job in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, then again when she left on her mission to Chile.

Yesterday she said her goodbyes once more as she left to begin her latest chapter as ballet teacher/Jr. director for the new VISTA Charter School, K-6, in the St. George, Utah area. One would think it would get easier with each farewell, but it doesn't. There are still the "knots" in the stomach as you watch her drive off, concern that she will be "watched over", the normal worries about her safety, and the hardest thing of all...walking past that empty room...

Aloha, Jen, we send you our love and very best wishes for your new adventure...rock on! But we here know the Abbey won't be the same without your special sparkle, limitless energy and sunny smile.

We will miss you kiddo! Come back often.