BYU Idaho

 Bella was accepted to BYU-Provo and BYU-Idaho and yet she decided, without seeing either one, that she didn't want to attend them.  Kelly and I felt that they at least deserved a visit before making such a decision.  Bella isn't one for giant schools, so since we only had time to visit one, we chose BYU-I.  It was more in line with what she wanted in terms of small school, smaller town, etc.  We chose President's Day weekend so we'd have several days for out trip.  In addition to campus, we visited Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Idaho Falls, Idaho.  It was a ton of fun.  We made sure to incorporate our dear friend Emma who's attending BYU-I and she was happy to tag along and show us all around campus.  We couldn't have asked for a better tour guide, better weather, or better scenery.

The first day we visited the Rexburg temple.  It was established the same year as Bella. :)

After attending church with Emma, we took her to Idaho Falls and walked the gorgeous river walk along the falls.  They have an adorable "Japanese Friendship Garden," funny little statues called "art you can sit on," and beautiful sights all along the river.  We spent hours just walking around and talking.  Who could believe this was February?

The reflection of the Idaho Falls temple on the Snake River was so beautiful.  I wish the photos could have done it justice.

Emma also gave us a short tour of BYUI that included all her favorite spots.  It was fun seeing her apartment, her little greenhouse space, and meeting her friends.  The kids at BYUI are great and were very welcoming.

The next day we went to Jackson Hole and hiked up to Taggart Lake before shopping and eating in downtown Jackson.  There has been painfully little snow but it worked out great for us.  Who would have thought you could hike in running shoes in Wyoming in February.  So different from freezing, snowy Michigan.

This was us standing on Taggart Lake.  It was my first time there in the winter.  I stupidly didn't realize it would be frozen over and not look like a lake at all until we'd made the whole trek to see it.  Thank goodness for the signs or we would have kept right on going past what looked like a giant snowy field!

We had to take a picture in front of the iconic antler arch in Jackson.

On our final day there we had our actual campus-led tour and visit to the art department.  We were very impressed with everything and everyone we saw.  Such great facilities and very kind, involved professors.  It's a wonderful place and I know Bella would be very happy there.  We'll see what she decides.