The launch

We took Thursday off work, loaded up both cars due to the pending storms and moved Grace into Lax.  I think it was easily the hottest dorm move in we have ever had and I know it was certainly the most humid.  We carried the boxes, totes, and bags into the building and up the stairs but honestly the air was almost thick enough to have just floated the cargo.  Grace and her roommate have been planning out their space for the past few months, but that is different than working around all the boxes in the 8x8 space...or at least it takes some time to get move from the plan to implementation.  But in the end Grace had the mirror and calendar hung, clothes in the drawers and closets, and the beginnings of nice 'living space' under her lofted bed; complete with a nearly wall to wall rug that finessed under the beds and dressers. Her Coach new she was moving in and he and the new assistant made a point of stopping by and checking in on her.  Amy and I met them on the stairs after our final load and we all had a nice chat about the team and team dynamics he is trying to build.  We did also notice all the activities posted around the Residence hall to get the students to mingle, one of which is eating Benny & Jerrys (BJs) in your pajamas (PJs).  Things change.  Grace's dorm was super cute and she I can see her making if feel like home.  I get my photo set up nice and high on her book shelf as she set up her make up area and she was kind enough to leave it in place while I was there.  We hit Howie's for a late lunch and target for last minute items...along with all of the other UW-LaX families.  Coincidently bumping into Merrick while we were there.  We put the finishing steps on her room and then walked outside for a final hug and photo next to the Resident hall sign.  We were doing so well up to then, emotions were in check, but the finality of the pending goodbye is always hard.  Parenting is the only relationship that if you do it correctly means they ultimately leave you and all of these emotions of pride, joy, sadness have a tendency to leak out of your face on a very hot, humid day on the sidewalk in front of Angel hall.  We stopped by Merrick's apartment to drop of his golf clubs, get a quick update on his new job, and a hug before making the long ride home where Grace's car was still parked in the street and the sugary vanilla smell of her still lingered upstairs; while she was laughing with friends both old and new as she checked on the campus and her newly adopted city.