- The morning started early, but not quite as early as the day before. By the time that I woke up, Robby had already folded our laundry and was working on last minute trip things. I woke up Anderson, and he started on his last minute packing things.
- At 8:30, we left to take my little boy to college. I know he's been there a year already, but it still makes me sad especially that half of my crew is not home anymore. But they are just were they are supposed to be.
- We stopped to pick up breakfast this morning, but not at Buccees-we were changing things up. We had worried that move in today would be crazy, but it was relatively calm. We pulled up to the front door and unloaded everything. Then Robby got the things to the elevator, I brought them upstairs (on the elevator), and Anderson moved them to his room. It was incredibly smooth, and no one broke a sweat.
- Anderson's room was a bit tricky. How he wanted his room wouldn't work initially because there wasn't room for his desk. We tried another configuration, but that would mean the door wouldn't close, so we pivoted back to the original plan.
- For this plan to work, Robby and Anderson had to take the bed frame apart, turn it over, and reinstall it. Robby has carried his tools with us all week and hasn't used them, but when they are needed, they are handy to have. This didn't take too long, so the next project was moving the crazy heavy furniture around so we could lay the rug down.
- Once the rug was laid, we started emptying bins pretty quick. We did most things, but Anderson was fine with us leaving a few things for him to do later. He said at lunch today that he wasn't why moving in stresses him out. We thought everything went really smoothly and weren't stressed at all.
- Anderson's roommate showed up, so the room quickly got full. This is when Anderson said that he could just do the rest later. Everything was really done except for a few decorating things. Graham came by to see us-or possibly he came by to see Brooklyn. Either way, we were able to lay eyes on him and see that he is having a great time. He ran 4 miles this morning and was going to most of his Wow weekend activities.
- Robby and I were pretty sure that Anderson would choose to go to LPs, the Mexican restaurant we went to yesterday. Graham had picked it yesterday, and we had even discussed what we would get today. However, Anderson suggested Fat Boys, where we went last year when we dropped Anderson off.
- Our sandwiches were really good. Then we went to Reagan's room to drop off some books. She has really done a great job making her room adorable. Everything is just perfect. Then we took Anderson back to his room before saying goodbye to him.
- Robby and I didn't stop at Buccees on the way home, but we did stop at Sonic to get drinks for Keaton and Whitman. Campbell had gone out to lunch with some friends and had just gotten home.
- Robby and I worked for a few hours around the house and in the camper. Then I had to take myself a power nap because I was exhausted. When I woke up, it was time for us to start getting ready.
- I had just text the kids saying we were leaving soon when my phone buzzed saying heavy rain was coming so we kicked it into high gear. Even though the wind was really blowing and the rain was starting, we were able to get out of town before the storm rolled through.
- We had smooth sailing until before Russellville when we ended up in another rainstorm. Robby had to work pretty hard because it was pretty windy, but we made it through just fine. We only stopped when we made it to our stop at Roland, Oklahoma.
- We filled the camper up with gas and then found ourselves a nice parking spot for the night. Once we were settled, Campbell and I did some math (we are trying to get ahead enough that we don't have to think about math for a few days.)
- Robby and I then took the dogs on a short walk around the parking lot before settling in for the night. Tomorrow will be a long day!
August 22, 2026-Sophomore Move in Day for Anderson and Ultimate Utah Adventure Day 1
August 21, 2026-Freshman Move in Day for Graham
- Graham has been ready to move into college for a few weeks now. He has been so excited, and we are so excited for him. We left the house a few minutes after we had planned to this morning. We wanted to leave a few minutes before 7, but it ended up being a few minutes after 7 plus we even had to turn around and go back to get Robby's computer.
- However, we still had time to stop at Buccees for some breakfast. Then we zoomed on to Ouachita. I think that Graham was a little nervous when we pulled onto campus. I was nervous for him too!
- Last year, dropping off Anderson, we had to wait in a crazy long line, but this year, we were there an hour earlier, but also the line was moving well. Within 15 minute of driving on campus, we were at Graham's dorm with everything from the white van unloaded.
- We parked as he went in and found his room. The first thing he did was grab the desk by the window. His roommate made it to the room right after Graham, and the first order of business was arranging the beds and putting down the rug.
- Then we had to put together the couch. Anderson bought the couch last year, and since he isn't using it this year, Graham is making good use of it. It took a few minutes to get it together, but once it was done, we started putting things up.
- Graham is sleeping on the top bunk and climbed to the top to start making his bed. We had packed mostly in bins, and I loved emptying a bin. Graham has a pretty good set up-they have lots of storage in their room.
- We weren't able to get his phone cord to stay where it needed to go, and the bathroom shower storage is lacking, but other than that I think his move in went perfectly. After unloading everything, we went to eat Mexican at the restaurant at the edge of campus.
- Then we went to Walmart. I would have thought that a Walmart in a small town with two colleges would be lacking, but they were fully stocked with all of the things you would need. Robby and Graham went on the hunt for cord things and key chains while I picked up things for our trip along with something for Reagan's birthday box.
- We went back to campus and dropped Graham off in his room. Then Robby and I went to change the light bulb in Reagan's headlight. It would have been easy to do, but the wires were practically apart so Robby had to tape them up, and hopefully it holds. We hadn't gotten sweaty all day, but we sure did then.
- We saw Reagan earlier in the day. She was helping move freshman girls in, but she took a break to come and see her brother's room. She even came back later in the day to check on him again. After fixing her headlight, we met up with Graham and walked to the bookstore to pick up Anderson's books.
- Each time we passed Cone Bottoms we did have some punch and a popsicle-I had cookies and cream for 2 of the 3 popsicles I had and they were delicious. Soon it was time for the little ceremony that they do.
- It was warm in the auditorium, and we were all tired so I struggled keeping my eyes open. However, the last bit they pray over each of the students and call their name. The admissions counselors are spread out across the room calling names, and it is pretty neat.
- Then it was back to Cone Bottoms to tell our little boy good bye. We left Graham only to find Reagan again. She was getting ready to meet her group for the next few days. I think that she was excited about meeting new people, and Graham was excited about his group too because Brett is his leader for the next few days.
- Robby and I then headed home. We decided that we would stop at Buccees to pick up barbecue for a supper on our trip, plus we got us a bite of cookie dough to give us some energy for getting home.
- Once we were home, we unloaded the car. Then Robby reloaded the minivan for the trip while I started working on loading the food in the camper. He then helped me, and after we had the food done, we loaded up Anderson's things before loading up the car on the dolly behind the camper. Lots of loading up happened tonight, but I feel pretty good about everything we accomplished (though I still have a few more things that need to happen tomorrow.)
- We celebrated our big day with ice cream at the Wilson's house tonight. We visited with them for a little bit. Then we had to return home to get back to work for a little bit longer. Now, we are headed to bed, and I'm just exhuasted!
August 20, 2026
- This day was the calm before the storm, but it was still pretty busy though. We started with school this morning. And once again, I let Whitman take some breaks and drag school out for most of the day. I should let him just do this since he doesn't mind, but I wanted to be finished with school. Plus I think that he knows if he waits late enough then I will decide against working with him at the end of the day.
- When we finished with school, I gathered school things to take on the trip and school things to do the week when we get home. The trip school was a lot more books than I had planned on bringing, but I found room for them in the camper so all is well. (I actually found two different spots-one for when we are working on them, and one for when we are finished with them.
- My main task today was packing with Graham. He had all of his clothes left to pack, but that didn't really take long. Now, he is still out tonight, and he has a few more things to pack. I don't think that it will take him long though.
- After I finished with Graham, it was Anderson's turn to do some packing. He had about the same amount of things to pack, plus he will have some more to pack tomorrow.
- This evening, we loaded up all of Graham's things plus we brought all of Anderson's things down the stairs and put them in the garage. That will be a big help tomorrow when it is time to load up Anderson to get ready for his move in day on Saturday.
- Robby and I ran some errands tonight-we shipped an ebay sell, we went to Academy to pick up socks and shorts for the boys, we went to Walmart, and then to Costco and McDonadls for our suppers.
- The Wilsons came over for a few minutes this evening. Then when they left we kicked it up into high gear to finish a few things up. Now, I'm already on the couhc for a few minutes before bedtime.
August 19, 2026
- This has been a day! I forgot how long Wednesdays are when we go to church on Wednesday nights. The morning started the same as usual. Keaton had done a lot of her work last night so she didn't start on her school until around 10. Campbell's college classes opened today, so she figured out her way around the classes before Whitman and I were finished reading.
- When we did finish reading, I helped her do a lesson of math. She even did half of another one tonight. She needs a bit of help right now, but she will quickly get back into the math groove. Plus her art seems like it may be a bit more difficult than when the others did it. It looks like there is a lot of writing, but Campbell has no problem at all writing.
- Whitman took a bit for school today, but I was distracted with other things so I wasn't focused enough to keep him moving. He did get everything finished and even took a few breaks this afternoon. I haven't been letting him take breaks so far this school year during the morning time.
- After school was over, I made some bread, and Whitman made some corn muffins since we have been reading about Native Americans. We also made one corn muffins like Native Americans would have-let's just say we are glad that we were not alive then.
- I didn't pack with the boys today which may come back to bite me tomorrow. I did write out the list of everything that we have to pack plus I labeled all of Graham's boxes. Labeling the boxes took me forever. I'm not sure of an easier way to go it-though I probably didn't have to put labels on two places on every box.
- I was able to pack my clothes in the camper, and then it was time to head to church for the first Wednesday night. Campbell and Keaton were thrilled while Whitman was not as thrilled. He has the same teachers as last year so that added to his lack of excitement.
- I am with the kids again, and it was water night which was crazy as expected. However, I think that that kids loved it plus I stayed dry so that I loved. When we came home, I made myself a breakfast bowl, and now I'm stuffed and a bit miserable.
August 18, 2026
- I did get up and walk this morning, but I wasn't happy about it. I had intended to walk this afternoon, but I legit did run out of time plus it was over a hundred so I figured it was better for my health to not walk then to walk in the heat.
- We did our school work this morning. I'm trying to finish a few books so we aren't in the middle of things when we leave for our trip. Tomorrow I get to plan what I will make the kids do during the trip-that will be fun for me, but not so much fun for them.
- Campbell was the first to leave this morning. She worked a few hours at church and will most Tuesdays from here on out. She zoomed through her school work when she came home.
- Graham left next to go and play real golf with some of his friends. Graham really has never liked Top Golf, so he also hasn't really cared about real golf. However, he did have fun today even though he sure didn't win. He did eat lunch at Wright's BBQ so that was a win for him.
- Anderson left next with his two suitemates. They were taking the couch to their room along with a chair and Anderson's tv stand. The couch is actually a sectional, and it is wall to wall furniture. They ate Mexican and then came home without even a stop at Buccees.
- Tonight Campbell left to go and eat with a friend. Graham went to watch Brooklyn's first volleyball game, and I went to Mahjong at the church house. I won twice so that was big for me-I haven't been winning lately.
- When I came home, I helped pack some of Anderson's clothes. Graham and I had done his clothes earlier in the day. The boys are packed more in bins, but they are going to have just as much stuff as Reagan I think!
- All of us who were home except for Campbell played a game with Whitman tonight. I'm not sure who won the game; actually, I'm not really sure if I understand the game at all.
- This evening Campbell has been anxiously awaiting for her college classes to open so she can get started on them. She is anxious to start doing college classes, and she is determined that she is going to do it on her own.
August 17, 2026-Junior Move in Day for Reagan
- This morning started off as a normal Monday morning. I did skip my morning treadmill walk-I should have done it, but I skipped so I could have a slower morning before school started.
- I also slacked on the school thing today because I didn't work together with the kids; I just checked their work. Also, to make sure that Whitman finished his school work, I greatly reduced what he had to do though I did leave all of the hard things on his list.
- We weren't really sure of our plans, but after checking out some traffic cameras, Robby and Tony decided that we would attempt to visit Buccees on its opening day.
- At 1, we left the house-three cars: Reagan's car, the Subaru, and the white van. The white van was completely loaded down so much so that Whitman had to move things around to find a seat in the row that we had tried to leave empty. The other two cars just had a few things in them.
- There wasn't a lot of traffic getting to Buccees, and we were pretty surprised about how easily we all found parking spots. However, it was right around school pick up time so I think that is why the crowd was lighter.
- We all found something to eat-Campbell, Keaton, and Whitman had a chicken finger box, Robby and I split a bbq sandwich, Anderson had a chicken sandwich, and I'm not sure what Graham had. Plus we all had drinks, and someone even bought some grapes.
- We pulled our van next to the Wilsons and ate with them. Then we all got back on the road to Arkadelphia. We were a bit ahead of schedule so Robby and I pulled off to run an errand. That errand left us with a pizza which was eaten fairly quickly as we unloaded Reagan's things.
- Reagan and Graham's cars both made it before Robby and I did. Reagan had already checked in, and they had moved the few things that were in their cars. We backed up the van, and then the kids unloaded everything. It took a few minutes to get everything up to the 4th floor, but thank goodness for the elevator. We would fill that thing up every chance that we would get.
- There was lots to do-lower Reagan's bed, put the runs under furniture, hang her curtain, clean her light fixture (absolutely disgusting), hand her pictures, make her bed, unload bin after bin of things.
- For the most part, in 2 and a half hours she had things the way that she wanted them. She still had some organizing to do, but we had done all that we could do to help. All of the kids but Whitman had already headed home, and yes, we had sent Graham early in the move in process to go and pick up Sonic drinks for us-we weren't that hot, but it's just a move in tradition.
- Reagan was heading to a swim party at a professor's house at 6, so we left to give her time to get there. We went to the other side of campus to see Brett's apartment. It is definitely bigger and newer than Reagan's room. We left there and managed to run another errand and snag another pizza before heading home.
- Of course, we had to stop again at Buccees on the way home. It was much crazier with the line for the sandwiches stretching super far throughout the store. This time we left with cotton candy (Whitman), cookie dough (Robby and me), and beaver nuggets (Robby).
- We came home, and sweet Campbell had the dogs outside. This was a long day for Marley in the kennel, and Campbell took care of her while she waiting on us to come home. We unloaded the van of empty bins, but many things stayed in the van since we will do this again Friday and Saturday.
- Anderson is now working on painting his helmet, Graham is upstairs on his xbox, Keaton has been napping, Campbell is working on a craft project, Robby is organizing his office, and I'm sitting on the couch!
August 16, 2026
- This was our last week for everyone to be at church, and it was certainly nice to all be there together. (We were all there together last week too, but I was in worship care so it didn't feel like it to me.)
- Sunday lunch was at Nonna and Pops' house this afternoon. They had bbq and all of the fixings. We ate and visited for a bit before we headed home. We had some packing to do this afternoon.
- When we came home, we had to move all of the cars around, and then we started moving Reagan's things down from the bonus room.
- They took out one row of seats from the white van, and that van is completely filled up. We tried to leave the front row empty for someone to ride with us, but we keep adding things as the day progresses.
- It took about 15 minutes to load the van, but we were all sweaty messes when we had finished. Robby and I quickly changed clothes and left for Costco. We had to buy all of the girls socks plus we found him 2 pairs of pants and some trip treats for the dogs.
- When we came home, Campbell was in the living room watching Marley with the lights off, the fan on, and a movie playing-I put Marley down for a nap and settled down beside Campbell for my Sunday nap.
- We had our Sunday supper with the Wilsons this evening. We took the easy route and just did quesadillas. It was easy and quick-Robby wanted to make them outside, but I reminded him that it was 100 degrees so we just did them inside.
- While we visited, we made our move in plan (leave at 12:30) and our Buccees plan (probably have to skip it tomorrow). When the WIlsons left the girls did some clothes trading and more bins came down to put in the van.
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