Two kids in college

Our NYC trip didn't have the greatest timing, as it bumped up so close to when Reed was to leave for JMU. But we made the most of the last day before he headed out. Sunday evening we went to an early dinner together at Foster's Grill. Later, Reed and I picked up dessert from Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard and brought it home, where we played several games of Uno. It was a really nice evening together. Then Monday morning we all got breakfast at First Watch before loading up our car and Reed's. We probably could have actually fit all Reed's stuff into his car, if we'd taken his desk chair apart, but he seemed to want us to go with him so we were happy to do that. Plus it gave us the chance to check out his new apartment, say hello to Will and meet their new roommate, Ben. 

It's still not easy, even on the third time doing it, to drive away and leave him at college. But he is happy there and doing awesome, so it's all good! We are proud of how hard he's worked at school and excited for him to have another terrific year at JMU.

Two days later it was time to bring Amy to Shenandoah University. The packing experience with Amy was quite different than it was with Reed in his freshman year. And it sure seemed to me that Amy had more stuff than would possibly fit in her room, but it all worked out fine. We hit the Starbucks on our way out for breakfast and then headed west to Winchester for an early move-in time. It was all very well organized, with many football team members on hand to swarm our car and carry everything in for us...we didn't have to lift a hand (this is only done for freshman...next year we'll be the ones lugging stuff in!). Then it took a couple of hours to get things unpacked and do some decorating. Amazingly, the only things we neglected to bring were batteries for her hanging lights and a door stop. We went to lunch (Sonic FTW!) then to the grocery store for a few food items, then back to campus.

All moved in!

There was a convocation event in the late afternoon which was a very warm welcome for all the incoming students. "Shenandoah" means "daughter of the stars," and each student was able to walk across the stage and get a star keychain from the University President, Tracy Fitzsimmons. We were glad we attended this event.

Then, somehow, it was time for us to leave our youngest child at college. I think it's safe to say it was hard for all of us, even as ready as Amy is. So far she has attended a bunch of the welcome week activities, and even won a prize at late nigh bingo! Classes start on Monday and then the real work begins. I'm nervous and excited for her, but I know she will be great. 

It seems like just ten minutes ago that we were sending these little people off to kindergarten and second grade. And now they're both in college. I miss them already. 

Where did these little people go?