Expect the Unexpected (8)

As I've mentioned before, I was very excited to start college. Especially since it would be at my dream school, BYU. Yes, I know...you can call me a typical Mormon kid for that! But I couldn't help it, I'd heard so many amazing things about BYU and the opportunities that come with attending. So when I received my acceptance letter, it took every bit of patience I had to focus on finishing high school and enjoying the summer. But what I wasn't expecting once I got here was how much I'd genuinely miss my little brothers.

Vegas 2014

Growing up we didn't get along very well, as most siblings don't. We fought over trivial things like who drank all of the milk, who got to choose the t.v. channel, and who had to sit in the middle on the drive to church. Along with the annoyance that comes with having two younger brothers, I always had the weight of "setting the example" on my shoulders because I was the oldest. I can't recall how many times arguments ended with my mom saying something like, "you're the oldest, you should know better." Of course there were good times too, which I realize now I took for granted. Now that I'm in college and far away from home, I see how much they've benefited my life. I love my little brothers so much! Even after all the years of feuds and arguments, I miss the times where we'd laugh until my stomach hurt, harmlessly team up against my parents, and the countless nights where we'd make s'mores during family camping trips. I wouldn't trade any of the moments we've had together, even if they weren't all the best of times. I can't wait to be reunited with them again soon! But for now, I'll tell you a little about these two crazies.

Hugging Sefa before my 1st day of school

My first younger brother, Sefa, is about four years younger than me. He is currently fourteen, which is crazy to me...and not in the way you'd think. Normally people can't believe how old their siblings actually are, but for me it's the opposite. I feel like he's older than that! I swear he has been fourteen forever, not just shy of a year. Sefa and I have grown a lot closer ever since he was old enough to be in Young Men's and then even more so when he reached the age for church dances. I love when he includes me in the aspects of his life, it makes me feel like I'm fulfilling my job as an older sister. One thing that I love most about him is his passion for the activities he's involved in. Sefa has a lot of love for playing sports, more specifically football. He's always had the heart for being a better athlete and team player. Along with that, Sefa is very smart...which is good because he also has an obsession with all things BYU. I was lucky enough to have him and my dad visit me this past October during BYU's homecoming. I loved being able to spend time with both of them and see Sefa's excitement for attending here someday grow.

Sefa's 8th grade graduation

Unfortunately, I didn't get to share any of my high school years with him, and I also won't have any overlapping years here with him either. Although I'll be serving a mission, Sefa will be too before coming to BYU, so we won't be here at the same time. But that's okay, I know serving a mission first will be best for him if that's what he chooses to do. I love my brother and I can't wait to see all the things he will accomplish throughout his life.
My youngest brother's name is Pelu. He is crazy! Well, in the best way possible. I actually remember the day he was born a lot better than I remember the day Sefa was born. It was December, I was a fairly new kindergartner, and I was confused as to why my neighbor was picking me up from school instead of my mom. As I got inside her car (don't worry, she was a well-trusted neighbor), she told me that my mom had a baby and that that's why she wasn't there to pick me up. When I got home, I was introduced to my new baby brother and that's where it all began! Between the two of my brothers, Pelu has been the one that has always butted heads with me the most.

Giving kisses to newborn Pelu

This has to do with the fact that we are completely different from each other, aside from our love of music. If you were to talk to Pelu for the first time, you would soon find that he is very goofy. He loves to crack jokes! I haven't always been very accepting of that because usually his jokes annoy me. But now, being away from his humor, I really miss him. Not only does Pelu find joy in making other people laugh, he also loves to create art, learn how to play musical instruments, and make YouTube videos. Lately, he's been very interested in making videos. So much so that for Christmas my mom bought him a video camera so he could continue making them. But also so that he'd stop using her phone to make videos which used all her memory up. Pelu has always been very creative, it's one of the things that I love about him. Even though he sometimes gets on my nerves, I miss him a lot. I know that he is a good kid - which "kid" might not be the best word to use seeing that he is bigger than me now. I know that he'll do a lot of awesome things in life and I'm interested to see where his talents will take him. 
I never thought that I'd miss my brothers when I left for BYU. Even though I miss them a lot, I'm actually glad I have this time to be away from them because it has opened my eyes to how awesome they really are. Dad, you were right, my brothers are my best friends!

Sefa, Me, and Pelu this past Christmas