We had a road trip planned to Utah this week but the slow settling in convinced us to postpone it. We had already arranged for the boys to once again ride the California Zephyr out west with Nanny and Poppy, and after all their hard work moving they certainly deserved the trip so they are off on their very own adventure.
My heart felt very heavy as I took this picture of them, I can't imagine how it must feel to send a child off to college or on a mission, but I suppose my heart would feel even heavier if I held them back.
William spent the day giddy with excitement saying it felt like Christmas Eve waiting for Nanny and Poppy to pick him up. He waited ready at the gate for over an hour.
James was a bit more torn and spent the day by my side offering any assistance he could. He questioned how I was going to get by without him, my most able helper. I assured him he'd be missed dearly but all would be well for both of us.
When Nanny and Poppy arrived they seemed as giddy as the boys, what a joy and treasure this tradition has become.
The boys promised to carry their own luggage (the matching vintage Orvis bags were a steal at a yard sale for $2 a piece, even with a $30 zipper replacement). The boys also promised to write in their journals everyday, take or draw lots of pictures and come home with a full report. I talked to them last night and all is well. They'll soon be dropped off at Oma and Opa's in Salt Lake City and have a chance to spend time with cousins before they head back home on the train with Nanny and Poppy.
Meanwhile Peter is stepping up as the most able helper here at home. This is good for him and I warned him of the risk of getting totally spoiled while the older boys were gone. He said he didn't mind so we'll be off on our adventure searching for series 5 Lego mini figs.
I think it is great to send off the older ones to allow the "middle" ones the opportunity to be the 'oldest' at home for a bit. The week right after I had Ganache all three older girls went off to girls camp leaving daughter #4 the oldest at home. She stepped up to the plate beautifully! It was a great boost to her self esteem.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful adventure for the boys. Jessica went off last summer to Chicago and we all missed her terribly, but she cam back so mature.
ReplyDeleteYour new farm looks beautiful!