Special Birthday Trip

To celebrate my 50th birthday, my dear sweet sister, Martha, treated me to a glorious trip to Augusta, MO where she made sure I felt every one of my 50 years.  Okay, that really isn't accurate because I was the one who said, "Why don't we ride to St. Charles for lunch."  Now, I knew St. Charles was roughly 28 miles away and knew I had only ridden roughly 18 miles at one time; however, it is safe to say I suffered from some dementia and forgot that we would have to ride back.  Martha, being a riding professional, just smiled and agreed to the ride.  Well, I can say we did it although the last few miles were downright horrid (where was Captain Larry when you needed him?).  And I did not ride up the hill to the B&B - I walked it. We stayed at the fabulous Clay House B&B and ate absolutely fabulous food.  We opted not to ride day two and instead did a short 10k walk.  Day 3 we just did a short ride (15 miles) and then had a wonderful 3 hours at the Halcyon spa (complete with paraffin hand and feet treatment, facial, and massage).  It was a wonderful birthday treat from a wonderful (older but definitely better) sister.

Empty Nest in Lenexa

Well, it is official - we have an empty nest. Shelby and I left Thursday afternoon to make the drive to Clinton, IA and the start of her college career. She drove the first half (the longest she has ever driven at one time) and I drove the second half. Tim got her a Garmin nuvi for her car so she had no trouble at all. When we got to Clinton, we checked into the hotel and then drove around Clinton and hit the Walgreens (can't believe we sent her off to school and forgot ibuprofen). We had dinner and then collapsed.

On route to Clinton, in Bethany MO

We got up bright and early Friday morning but took our time getting ready and missed the free breakfast so had to hit McDonalds for a smoothie. We went to the campus to find out if any of her textbooks were available on her Kindle (only one) and then went to move into the dorm. This is the largest freshman class for Ashford so they had to buy the Best Western hotel and convert it into a dorm which is where Shelby is staying. The volleyball girls helped us carry everything in and the Shelby and I made quick work of organizing and putting everything in its place. Her two roommates are from Canada and are soccer players so they were at practice and Shelby didn't get to meet them until after their team dinner. We finished up in time for her orientation. Tim arrived with the refrigerator and off we went back to campus. Tim and I attended the parents' session (very informative) and then we hit the book store again to get her books (and some Ashford bowling t-shirts). 

Shelby in front of her bed

Shelby in her room

After lunch at Applebees, we went back to the dorm and I got printer/computer duty while Tim got Wal-Mart duty. Tim and I got our last hugs and Shelby handed me a box of Kleenex and off we went. I did not open the box...I used my shirt. We got home at midnight and Hannah was glad to see us but has gone into Shelby's room looking for her quite a bit.

I can't wait to hear all about her first day of school Monday but told her I would not call or text until she does first (unless I haven't heard from her in a week in which I will start the mother guilt voicemails).

So now, along with Go Braves, I can say Go Saints!  I miss my Shelby but I think I wouldn't mind the empty nest as much if it was clean...Guess I should get on that.