Just like Willie

I've been just like Willie Nelson, "On the Road Again." There was also some Waylon, but more like "Wailin". Not really, just a few tears from the mom. After 800 miles, a 1/2 dozen diet Cokes, a small bag of trail mix w/M & M's, a giant cinnamon roll and a couple oldies CD's, I got Jess back to college. We left KC Sunday afternoon and headed to Branson. Luckily there was a vacancy at the Wheeler B & B. They had two other guests, their grandgirls, Ella and Madison. We were so happy to see them in person. (They were not excited to see us, but the old Wheelers were.)The girls are as precious as their we hear about them.) Jess made friends with the girls quickly and I got a smile from Ella the Quiet.

We left Branson on Mon am and got to Searcy about 1 pm. We saw my pal Tammy at the Academy where Jess got her old job back, babysitting at the Early Learning Center. We had special permission to check in the dorm on Monday b/c this ole mom has to send the other younguns to school tomorrow. Luckily football practice has started and one lucky pal of Jess's was available to help unload the van. Since no one was there, we got to back up the sidewalk and back up to the side door. Amazingly our packed van was unloaded to her 2nd floor room (I/2 way down the hall--not near a door) in less and 30 min. The football guy left and we got to work. I totally "Gloria-ized" (my mom, Gloria was a cleaner extra-ordinaire) the room, by wiping off all the shelves and the drawers. I sanitized the bathroom (how did we manage to make it thru college w/o Lysol wipes?) then we put all the clothes away. We got a bite to eat. I wouldn't let Jess on campus to start her "Oh, how I missed you hugs" and we got most of her stuff put away. I had to head back to Branson altho I wasn't ready to leave her. We had such a nice time being the only ones on the floor and in the room. She wasn't scared about staying alone and her roomie, Rachel, from Peoria, was due in a short time. I was sad to let her go, but so happy that she was excited about being back and know she will enjoy the next few days seeing all her "peeps". Jess and Rachel are group leaders for the freshmen orientation, plus will get to stand around and help the freshmen move in tomorrow---lololol.

So I drove over the Hoot and Hollar Highway twice yesterday. It wasn't so bad in the daylight, will have to remember that. I stayed up too late talking to Joy and Wayne, then left this am. It's good to be back. The girls all had back to school stuff that Mark had to wrangle. Hannah had "freshman day" at the high school. The student council met her at the door (all the kids, not just H) and were clapping and yelling. She said the whole hallway was full of upperclassmen, cheerleaders, band kids, teachers etc. clapping and cheering for the kids as they came in. It was a fun way to begin a scary new adventure.

Emily had kindergarten orientation and was ready to let go of M's hand, run in the class and find her spot. She told me today that she "can't imagine going to school for real". I reminded her of her place in the classroom and she remembered. :) Abby and Kat both met their teachers and dumped their school supplies. So we are all ready except for some bathing and some nose cream. (We will be creaming at least 1 more month.) The big girls have a 1/2 day tomorrow and Em goes on Thurs all day. I will begin job hunting after I clean the upstairs carpet. :(

Today we are celebrating M's 48th b-day. He is due home anytime to grill us a steak. Good times.