Party of Five

I had intended to post an update to Thursday's post, but things have been CRAZY around here.  Thursday was a super long day, but we were glad to see that Cooper was somewhat ok when we picked him up.  He even told us that he was going to go back the next day.  His teacher came out and said that when he finally calmed down, he did not cry in the classroom anymore.  I think the cafeteria was a little overwhelming for him, though.  Overall, he seemed to have had a decent day and talked excitedly about some of the things they had done.  I really thought everything was going to be ok.  But then he had to say good-bye to Drew before he went to bed, and that really upset him.  Things were not any better in the morning.  I had left a picture of me for him to take to school with him (as suggested by the school counselor).  My mom said he sat on the couch and held the picture against his cheek, crying :(   Needless to say, my mom did not send him to school on Friday.

On the other hand, Olivia has had a great couple of days at the middle school.  Thank you, Jesus!!!  She seems to really like it.  She has made some new friends, and she doesn't seem to be having trouble with her schedule.  Thank goodness!!! She is really looking forward to learning to play her flute :)

It broke my heart watching her say goodbye to Drew.  They both cried like babies.  As much as they argue and pick on each other, I know that they love each other a lot.

And finally, on Friday, we got Drew moved to college.  It was a day that I had somewhat been dreading, but one that I was ready to get overwith because I was tired of dreading it.  I have to say, we had a great day!

When we got to the school,  a group of students attacked our van and immediately started unloading it.  We went to get Drew registered for orientation and all of his stuff was in the hall when we got to his room. We did not have to move a thing.  The day ended with a beautiful Matriculation Service in the Chapel. 

It was time to let him go.  The tears that I had expected were there, but it was ok. Drew was not sad; he was excited!  And that made it much easier.  I will never forget taking him for his first day of Kindergarten.  We were ready to leave, and he looked at me with sad eyes and said, "Please don't leave me here by myself."  It broke my heart.  I had to reassure him that I was not leaving him there by himself; he was going to make lots of new friends.  Last night, I was comforted knowing that, again, I was not leaving him there by himself.  He is now part of the Lyon Family.

And so, now we are a Party of Five.  Except, of course, when Drew comes home to visit.