College Drop Off

After two years of taking Taylor up to Idaho in January, both of which were treacherous life-and-limb-threatening experiences, we decided to drive Lex up to school, then head back to SLC that evening, with our long trek back to CO the following day.  Plus we didn't really have room to pack her stuff AND our stuff, since our lovely vehicle does not include a trailer hitch.  Naturally, this would be the year that the weather was great and the roads were clear.  But I will NEVER complain about good weather and clear roads.  EVER.

We headed out on move-in day nice and early.  The apartment where Lex would be living was a "first-come, first-choice" kind of deal, and she knew via fb that one of her roommates had an early check-in the day before.  I'm all about getting the most decent looking mattress possible (I've helped girls temporarily move-in for EFY enough times to know that there are some darn nasty-looking mattresses out there), so we made every effort to get to Rexburg in a timely manner.

About 30 minutes south of Pocatello, this was the outside temp.

I've heard rumors AND first-hand accounts about the notorious Idaho winters.  This was living proof.  Good thing Lex had let me talk her into a coat and some boots.

Lex is on the third floor.  Of course.  And that icy parking lot was packed.  We managed to get all her stuff hauled up the stairs.  She was the third of six to show up, so we scouted the mattresses and laid claim to the nicest one in the next-to-best room (the best room, farthest from the main living area, had already be staked).  As I huffed up and down the stairs, I kept thinking about how many calories I might possibly be burning.  Just looking at the bright side ;-)

 {Before}

 (I'm a little if-fy about beds on cinderblock and bricks (especially bricks!).  It seems a little unstable.  Lex's complex is in the process of changing out the cinderblocks and bricks with captains beds, but they are working on the second floor, and I guess it's a lengthy process - I'm not sure if they move everyone out of each apartment they are "updating" or what - so she may be on the bricks for the whole semester.  I just hope she doesn't shuffle around in her sleep very much!)

{After}

 It's kind of crazy to think that in two years or less we could be dropping this girl off, too.

Now, Bill.  NOW our nest is emptying.

The lovely kitchen.  I'm sure plenty of good times will be had here.

And here.

We had to make a quick run to Walmart.  Death on move-in day.

No chicken nuggets.

We navigated through the rabble of students and parents, ran into a couple of familiar faces, and got the heck out of there.  Thankfully the Albertson's next door had some dino-bites.  Lex's favorite kind of nuggets:  process and shaped.  {Perfect}  I had to smile as we added her food items to her shelf and refrigerator next to one of her roommate's fruits, veggies, greek yogurt, kashi cereal, and whole wheat bread.  Lex's most valuable items are things like beef ramen, mac-n-cheese, white bread, peanut-butter-and-jam, ketchup, mayo, and frozen chicken nuggets.  We talked her into some chicken noodle soup and orange juice (her only fruit!).  You may be thinking I'm a horrible-terrible-no-good mother for not forcing the issue, but I've lived with Lexee for 19 years.  I know what she'll eat and what she won't.  I'm hoping some of her healthy roommates will rub off on her ;-)

We snapped a few {almost} good-bye pictures,

then Lex headed off to spend time with her orientation group.  We all met together briefly to hear a uplifting message of encouragement from Pres. Clark, then the students headed out for what both Lex and Shi referred to as "EFY-type" activities, while the parents stayed for a question/answer period with the Pres.

Just before we headed out, we had dinner together.  If you haven't been in Rexburg on move-in day at dinnertime, you should try it.  Not.  We finally determined that Costa Vida would move us along quickly enough to get us on our way back to SLC, and Lex on her way to I-Night. 

The {final} good-bye pictures.

Bill held the tears in until we got to the car.

The latest update from Lex:  I-Night was super fun.  She was able to get her books, change some classes, and attend a dance on Saturday.  She loved church at 9am.  She wasn't in a ward with an {extremely} low boy-to-girl ratio.  And Tuesday night she said she had more homework than she's ever had in her life.  I could hear the stress in her voice.  I know once things get into a routine, she's going to do great.

Love you, Lex!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO