Brady's "First Day"

Wednesday 9/3/14, was our third "first day" of school.  While Ruth stayed with Connor and Margaret, Corbin and I drove Brady up to Gould for new student arrival day!  It was hard to believe the day was really upon us.  All in all, the day went rather smoothly.  Brady is in a quad in Davidson Hall. The setup is three rooms - 2 boys in each of the smaller rooms and a shared "common room."  We were able to help him unpack and set up rather easily, with a quick couple of trips to the local Rite-Aid for some additional items (extension cord, extra power strip, a fan, and some hooks for his closet).

We met his advisor, his proctors and his dorm heads.  The opening assembly and all the people who welcomed us today only reinforced our trust in the fact that Gould is a great school - and a wonderful match for Brady.  It was very hard for me to leave him in the afternoon, but I stayed strong (didn't want to cry and embarrass him :-)!!) and kept reminding myself how much he wanted this and how good we truly believe this experience will be for him.

Since then, we've talked quite a few times, and Brady is finding his way.  He's met some challenges, but has faced them with a great strength and a committed attitude.  He enjoyed his orientation (backpacking Baldface Mt) trip, despite a couple of bloody noses.  He's decided to join the cross country team, and is figuring out how to get a pair of running shoes.  He's made it to and through the first formal dinner - tie and all!  Classes begin on Monday 9/8/14.  This journey has just begun, but it's worth noting what a big accomplishment it was for all of us to get to and through this day.

Bed made!

Brady's "corner" -- cards from Margaret hung on the wall!

In front of Davidson Hall

A little ping pong in the dining hall, after lunch

Orientation Group!

Crazy picture!

Side note:  Connor got word last minute that the Valley Warriors AAU Baseball team was holding an additional tryout on Wed 9/3.  Gram was so great to get him there for the tryout - and we got word the next morning that Connor has been invited to join the team.  He's thrilled and we're so happy for him.  His resilience and persistence have paid off!

Well, this concludes this year's edition of "Teton Valley Days" summer blog.  I'm sad to see summer end, but happy that we kept the blog so alive this year ... and so happy to have all three kids off to a good start to 3rd, 6th and 9th grade.  They are growing up - yes, too fast.  I wonder what lies ahead this year and what next summer will look like!

I could probably start a whole new blog: "boarding school parent" ... hahaha.  I don't think Brady would like that ... until about 10 years from now, of course