Our hearts go out to all of the people of Houston. PetConnect will be transporting pups from Houston area shelters to make way for the dogs and cats that will need temporary shelter until they can be reunited with their families. In order to donate to this cause, please click below or HERE for the link.
We have enjoyed one of the busiest summers in my memory! We added Tilly to our family, Matthew left for his first year of college, Ella tried out for top travel softball teams (newest member of the Storm!), my youngest turned 13 with a bang at Disney and honestly, I am ready for fall!
Matthew is now at Salisbury University on the Eastern Shore of Maryland – go Gulls! What a process! I have never spent so much time at Bed, Bath and Beyond in my life. We purchased all of his dorm necessities. I know that when it is my daughters’ turn to kit out their dorm rooms, it will be another story. However, my 18 year old son had no desire in choosing bedding, towels, rugs, etc. and basically tagged along while his sisters and I shopped. We did a great job and he is all settled. It was a very emotional day when my husband and I dropped him off. I will admit, I cried on the way home. My husband stopped off at Kent Island and treated me to a crabcake sandwich and a beer and that cheered me up 🙂
The following Monday was Sophie’s 13th birthday. To celebrate, my husband and I took the girls to Disney World. It was a welcome break for me and great to have a fun trip to look forward to after the emotional few days before.
We stayed on the Disney property and purchased ParkHopper passes. We took full advantage and spent three days hopping from park to park and one day at Disney Springs. We averaged 12 miles per day walking and our feet were burning by the end! Sophie’s favorite park was Magic Kingdom, my and Ella’s favorite was Epcot and I think my husband really enjoyed them all. I reserved a dinner with the Disney characters and Sophie had a fantastic birthday dinner with Mickey and friends! Seeing how much fun the girls were having was truly magical. It is a special place and a wonderful way to spend a birthday.
We flew home and are enjoying our last few days of summer! 
Thank you for providing another way to contribute to the situation down south. We have contributed to Red Cross also. But we can’t forget the animals who need us too. Thank you thank you thank you.
Thank you Donna for helping! They need to empty the shelters asap to get immediate shelter for all of the now homeless pets. A huge undertaking and there are so many wonderful people out there volunteering – amazing to see!
Suzanne, I have cried more than one year leaving our daughter in college a decade ago. And I agree, I have never spent so much time and money in BB&B before or since! The hardest part for me was not seeing her every day….hang in there, it gets easier over time! And your son will have a ball!
Thank you, Shannon. I really felt it deeply when we drove away. It was strange because I was so happy for him and so sad for us, all at the same time! We are visiting him tomorrow for his birthday and then will leave him alone until late October when it is parent’s weekend at the school. At least he isn’t too far away but it is just the realization that he is no longer living at home that is hard. Anyway, I’m glad to hear it gets easier with time! We have a lot to look forward to in the next few years that is definitely keeping me going! Thanks!
I’m a single parent. I was 49 yrs old when my daughter left for college 200 miles away. I cried all the way home for 200 miles. Bawled my eyes out. When I got home I checked my mail and an AARP membership invite. great. Then the girl at McDonald’s offered me the senior citizen discount. (insert sigh here.)
Oh, this hit home Linda! What a miserable day for you. I hated getting that AARP letter in the mail! They actually sent the first one right after I turned 40 omg! And to have that happen at McDonalds…talk about adding insult to injury!
We raise our children to be strong and independent but it does sting when they walk away! I’m never going to forget that moment. We are (of course) proud and happy and wouldn’t have it any other way but wow, it was emotional! I feel your pain!