Milestones, Migrations, and Mitigation

Last week marked many milestones for my friends. Local parents sending their children to the first days of elementary and high school. College age peoples making their migration. This made me wistful for the days when school started after Labor Day.

Ernest decided to migrate himself. He and his roommate (a friend from Hogwarts) left Wednesday morning on the going-to-college road trip. I am slightly annoyed because Ernest would not let me give or make anything for the trip, while roommate's mother got to make 18 vacuum-packed dinners for them. OK, the other mother does own a restaurant. And maybe the roommate can't say no to her. (Although Ernest seems able to say no to me. But still.)

Packing the car the night before, it was not quite full. There was still room for the cooler full of food and a few more bags, to be picked up in the morning.

My annoyance was mitigated by one of the greatest compliments Ernest has ever given me. "Thank you for being so uncomplicated." This was in regards to the vacation planning and how flexible I am about him being or not being here for holidays. As long as we get a visit...sometime. Handy and I are hoping to take a trip east around the fall foilage foliage how the heck do you spell that time.

Here he has just promised me that I will get my traditional goodbye mom picture the next morning so I should stop taking pictures now. 

OK. I got it! There's a goodbye dad picture too.

And then Tiny had to get in on the action. She LOVES cars.

Ernest had said over the summer that he had a favorite cat. How dare he? I would NEVER EVER say out loud if I had a favorite cat or child or husband (easy on that score since I've only had the one) but STILL.... 

Said cat apparently HEARD him and tried to go along but alas, no room for litter box or food so she had to stay home.

She climbed a tree instead.

We were all grateful for the distraction as Ernest pulled out of the driveway.

On to Zion, Yellowstone, The Badlands, and then some cities on the way.