I hope you all had a really lovely Mother’s Day weekend. It always feels like a tender day over here but loved having both of my children back in the nest. This past week was a whirlwind. From Mexico to Oxford, I feel like I’ve been everywhere but home. Here is a recap with our Monday Morning Wrap Up.
MEXICO TRIP FOR THE BOOKS
Last week I traveled to Mexico and met up with six of my college besties. While I officially turn 50 this June, we went to celebrate our milestone birthday. I will do an official recap post but the trip was fantastic. It is so special to be surrounded by deeply rooted friendships and women that you admire and love. The entire group is kind, hilarious, fiercely smart and just so much fun. I haven’t laughed that hard in a very long time.
I know some of you are wanting to plan a similar trip so I will share all of the details and my thoughts soon. The craziest thing is that I actually came back from five days in Mexico feeling refreshed and recharged (usually you need a vacation after a big trip like that). It was so good for the soul.
YEAR ONE IN THE BOOKS
I was home for two days and then we were off to Oxford to help Riley move out of the dorm. So bittersweet. We absolutely love the town so it’s a joy to spend a couple of days each time we go.
THE BIG MOVE OUT
I just can’t believe freshman year is in the books. If you had your first go away this past year, you know how quickly it all went. Truthfully, it’s hard to wrap my head around. I am so proud of this young lady. She has grown and matured so much in just one year. She followed her heart with choosing Ole Miss and I am so thankful she did. And I am overjoyed to have her home.
Stay tuned for a move out post (all of our best tips) as well as a year one recap where I will share what she found most useful.
A WELCOME SIGHT
This brings me such joy. Although ask me how I feel about it when we still have unpacked backs in a week or so. These storage bags are the greatest. Thankful we had them for move in and move out. We also love these travel bags. Best graduation gift ever!
BACK TOGETHER
What I love most is having a house full of giggling girls again. The crew immediately came over and then was off to the horse races. It was fun seeing some of her college friends and high school friends all come together.
I know it will also be an adjustment . . . she has been on her own and is now back with mom and dad so we shall see how this all unfolds. Any tips for a smooth re-entry, please send them my way.
LOCAL SPOT
Are you local? Need a birthday gift? This store is wonderful! Everything from books to puzzles to games and specialty items. It’s our go-to around here. Always love supporting the smaller local stores. Strolled through with my husband the other day and was in awe of all they have. It also made me emotional . . . so many of the things we used when the kids were younger. It goes by far too quickly.
Wishing you a wonderful start to your week. And to all of the kiddos preparing for AP exams I hope they knock it out of the ballpark.
*If you missed it, you can catch Saturday Shopping here.
That’s a fun week! The NDFarley girls went to Mexico in January for the same. We managed to get 9 out of 11 there and it’s like we haven’t missed a beat with one another.
As for reentry with the college kid, we found that very clear but minimal expectations (family dinner once a week, no curfew but communicate location and general plans – ie, let me know if your 2am planned arrival back home is looking more like 4 – and agreement on chores/contributions to the household) up front mitigate most of the tough spots. Enjoy your summer!
Isn’t it so crazy how you feel like you pick up right where you left off? The best kind of friendship.
Wonderful advice. Ryan and I need to sit down and come up with the expectations. Thank you for this. Hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend.