Ryan:: College Bound

This morning at 7am Ryan and Dan hit the road in Ryan's PT Cruiser and headed to Arizona State University. There is so much excitement for him and sadness for us. Don't get me wrong, we are super excited that he gets to go on this adventure and to see him change and grow, but we are really going to miss him. Nathan got a little teary-eyed last night when he said goodbye to his big brother. We probably won't see him till December (unless we go out to visit him sometime).

Ryan also reminded me that from now on, his vacations, holidays (everything) are his to decide what he does. For his whole life he has ping-ponged between his dad and mom's family. He has been so accommodating and gracious about it all, but I think he has had enough. We just pray that we will always matter enough that he will want to hang out with us!!

If you haven't seen Toy Story 3 you really must. For our family, the timing of this movie is so personal. Ryan was a kid when the first one came out and Andy was just a kid with his toys (Ryan really related to the toys having feelings). In this last movie, Andy has to decide what he is going to do with his toys as he goes off to college. Ryan too had to clean out his room, put stuff in the garage that will be saved for later or give stuff (mostly Lego) to his little brothers to use.

At the end of the film he drives off to college (alone, I might add). Well thankfully Ryan wasn't alone as he drove off to college, but it was still as poignant. Good luck Ryan- we love you!!

We love you Ryan and we pray that you do well, have fun and take every opportunity that comes your way!!