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Well, we did it. We drove our minivan 16 and 1/2 hours to NC in one day on the way to drop son at college. (Mapquest told us it would take 13 - they forgot to include all the construction zones!) We spent a couple of exciting days at freshman/parents orientation and watched son get settled in to his new home. (we hope). We left last Thursday to head home with only one child. We were all sad, but also happy for the new and exciting world that son is about to enter.

We decided to take younger daughter to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA on the way home since she was so patient. We stayed at a hotel in Williamsburg on Thursday night, and left most of our stuff (used to keep younger daughter amused for such a long ride) in the van. We received a call from the front desk to meet a police officer in the parking lot at 8:00am on Friday. My first reaction was that something had happened to son (of course). Good news: son was fine. However, we did find that someone had smashed the window and broken in to the minivan and took younger daughter's DVD player and movies, CD player and CD's, Gameboy Game and games, camera, etc. We never made it to Busch Gardens - it took all day to meet with police, get window fixed, etc.

The good news is that no one was hurt and son actually survived his first night (without us) better than we did. We are just missing a lot of material things that can be replaced! Maybe it was a diversion from above so that we wouldn't be so stressed about leaving son behind! Needless to say,we will always remember our first trip to college.

By Sokkermom (Sokkermom) on Monday, August 23, 2004 - 03:05 pm: Edit

More good news: my cell phone was in the van and also stolen, so my office couldn't call me for three days. Husband had his in the hotel room. (Family and friends all have his number in case of emergencies!)

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Monday, August 23, 2004 - 03:06 pm: Edit

Sokkermom,
Oh no! Talk about compound stress! I'm sorry you guys had to go through this. Yikes.

By Momsdream (Momsdream) on Monday, August 23, 2004 - 04:41 pm: Edit

Sokkermom-

16.4 hrs?? Yikes!

Glad to hear that your son is settled in.

Too bad about the van and your stuff. Your daughter must have had a very painful ride back without her diversions.

By Seniorsmom (Seniorsmom) on Tuesday, August 24, 2004 - 02:04 pm: Edit

Sokkermom - We had a 14 hour drive to NC, but didn't have your misfortune with the break-in - sorry to hear about it. I'm pretty sure our sons are at the same school - mine is in Alspaugh - what dorm is your son in? We were quite impressed with the move-in and orientation procedures - much easier and better organized than I dreamed. We were also most impressed with the President's speech - I think he'll do great things for the school in the next few years. Is your son planning to play soccer?

By Sokkermom (Sokkermom) on Wednesday, August 25, 2004 - 12:08 am: Edit

Seniorsmom:
Hi. We thought the move in was wonderful. We didn't have to carry anything to the dorm. It was all done by the welcoming students! We are very excited about the new President too. Son is in Randolph. It has air conditioning, but very small rooms. They decided to loft the beds to gain some space. Son will actually be running track (sprinter). Does your son play any sport?

By Txtaximom (Txtaximom) on Wednesday, August 25, 2004 - 12:25 am: Edit

Sokkermom--so sorry to hear that your first trip to college had this trouble attached.

By Backhandgrip (Backhandgrip) on Wednesday, August 25, 2004 - 12:27 am: Edit

Sorry to hear about your misfortune.Thanks for sharing the story.
How about having a tire go flat or I95 at 7;30 am and having to change it on a ramp?
Parents, please make sure if your college student has a car the tires are in good shape!
Also, if you are taking bikes secure and extra secure them! And if it's your child hauling something check and double check it yourself!

By Crabbylady (Crabbylady) on Wednesday, August 25, 2004 - 03:23 am: Edit

Heard from my friend this morning, daughter(in coming freshman) took her car to school, got the parking permit but forgot to but it on the car, daughter's car was TOWED! Panic call to Mom #1, $100 later all is well. More hidden costs of college?

By Seniorsmom (Seniorsmom) on Wednesday, August 25, 2004 - 09:29 am: Edit

Sokkermom,
Son may play soccer or lacrosse - will see what happens. Things are going well so far - would love to chat. Please check my profile and send an email - I've created a generic one on yahoo.
Seniorsmom