Hi-Ho Hi-Ho Off To College She Goes......

WHERE DID THE TIME GO?

It only seems like yesterday I was dressing her for her dance recital "A Spoon Full Of Sugar"

or watching her waddle down the side walk behind her daddy, buckets in hand helping him water the newly planted trees!

We are so proud and excited for Rachel. She is quite amazing and we know she'll go far in life!

At least she better with as much stuff as she packed....LOL

REALLY!! LOOK.......I swear it looks like I should be transporting more than one girl to college!

(Just kidding Rachel:-)

Poor Craig (the boyfriend) came over in between his classes to say good-bye only to be put to work, hauling and packing cars, entertaining two little ones all while secretly wishing she wasn't going off to college (at least not so far away)!

Saying good-bye, even if it is just for a little while is

HARD!!!!!

Easy Rachel, your going to pop your sisters and your leaking on them! "Remember your only 4 hours away!!!"

Dad is trying to stay strong.....just look at that smile! It just so happens that ALL the woman in his life knows his little secret......(big teddy bear at heart)!
He did say he was glad he didn't have to do this again for 13 more years!

As for me, I can honestly say that for once I am happy to be behind the camera! I did continue quoting the same phrases I had been for weeks(and of course refusing eye contact) "Your Only 4 Hours Away!" "We can video call!" "Your going to have a blast!" I did manage to stay strong (most of the time) but all bets were off once our car pulled away!

Rachel and I have always been close and I do catch myself checking from time to time looking towards the door thinking she will be home soon but then remember....."She is "Only 4 hours away!"

I have even managed to resist most urges to texting on a whim like I usually do! But Robbie and I talked about trying to give her enough space to adjust, meet new people and spread those wings of freedom a bit! Lucky for us she knows her parents very well and has taken mercy on us and sends us a couple of text each day!
(GOOD GIRL)