So, this happened. Both kids are off to boarding school. Before I get too emotional (because all I have been doing is crying), I wanted to share the photos of the drop off. Oversharing, yes. But wanted to show you why I have been silent (packing, traveling, dropping off, more crying), here is what I have been up to.
The kids wanted to drive from Oregon to Ojai as it is less abrupt of an arrival, and they had a sh*t ton of stuff anyways. The halfway point was lucky in that it is in Northern CA where we got to stay with our best friends and have a home cooked meal and lots of laughs. Here is Tusia with some food that our host made. She is modern day Martha Stewart and everything she does is perfection.
Best friend Amers made the most incredible pork and slaw I have ever eaten in my life and I am dreaming of it now. I literally just texted her asking for the recipe. I need to share it with you all as soon as I get it (and try to make it).
Nice Northern California sky to send us on a family walk and get our legs moving before another day in the car.
Lots of laughs. I miss that smile and laugh so much, but not going to cry. Nope, not crying.
Lots of hills.
17 hours in the car and we made it to Ojai.
A box of goodies to eat at The Duchess.
This almond flour, vegan cake is my favorite thing in the store.
Took all day (Thursday) to set up Cruzzie’s room.
The outside of his dorm — looks and feels like a frat.
Palm trees never get old to me.
Friday was the big move in day for Tusia and it was super scary and brave and courageous and emotional and hard.
But we put her room together.
This is outside her room.
Dining hall with new friends.
Ojai tangerines are everywhere you look.
Wonder if Tusia is from NYC?
Wonder if Tusia is from NYC?
The outside of the dining hall (and beautiful clouds)
My beloveds.
There is a little nook for the freshman girls to watch the sunset. I love it so much.
Cried all night and day. But made it to the Parent Party for the 9th grade parents. It was held at the Turtle Conservancy.
They gave out glass hearts in Thacher colors — I took 2. Two kids, two hearts left there.
Beautiful scenery. Kept wondering if I was going to accidentally fall in to the pool though.
Delicious Mexican food.
Then headed out with some parents to the Ojai Valley Brewery and this is my newest favorite place. Had never been and can’t wait to go back!
All types of beers and wines on tap!
Cried myself to sleep and headed back to Oregon. Goodbye, Ojai, I love you. And most of all, the two most important people to me are in Ojai, so please be safe.
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Thanks for letting me share. And for those other parents with kids at school — I see you, I feel you, I am here.
