Unexpected Temporary Empty Nest

I thought I had another day before Caroline was off with the Robot Team for their main competition. Apparently the contest starts Thursday early so they are driving there this evening so the kids will be rested for the next couple of days.

This gives Peter and me a taste of what is to come sooner rather than later. She has two more years of high school and then she is off to college.

I was ready for her to be going out on Thursday but this felt a little abrupt. There was also a lot of scrambling so she had everything that she needed.

I made her breakfast this morning. I double-checked that she had the various cords she needs for her electronics. I made sure she had all her toiletries, vitamins, and the like. For the most part she packed herself, which she knows how to do having spent so much of her life traveling.

It’s a step that I knew I was going to have to take. It still feels weird even though we have done this a number of times over the years.

Peter and I have our usual activities to do but we also have a couple of days of not having to put another person in the equation. I am figuring there will be less clock watching since we have no deadlines.

She comes back late Saturday night/early Sunday morning just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

I will be happy to see her as I already miss her.

I am grateful that Caroline is off on her adventure.