We're baaack...

Short trip. Dog tired. Just got back an hour ago. Helped junior relocate to Austin along with all of his worldly possessions (or so it seemed like it).

Ya gotta love those college towns especially during move in weekend. Lots of overloaded pick ups, full trailers, frazzled parents and wide eyed kids. Even though it was brutally hot, this year seemed to go easier, perhaps it was because of my stellar planning, or my command of the situation, or the fact it was our 4th year and we pretty much knew the routine (plus having a ground floor apartment this year helped out my back). We were able to drive up, unload and have his apartment set up in about 2-3 hours. Nice place. Older apartments about 3 blocks from campus that have just undergone a serious rennovation. Aside of having a frat house right next door to the complex, seemed to be a nice place. Of course, priorities are different as you get older. Momma and I were focused upon getting the place set up and organized while junior was more focused on getting his system set up and getting the internet hooked up. In the end, they are set up well and ready to hit the ground running come Monday. School starts on Wednesday and they have 2 days to figure out their schedules and get books/supplies. At this point in their academic careers, we are no longer the advisors of what to get or how to prepare, I am more of the logistics/transportation person to help him set up shop. We got done early enough last night to be able to go out to dinner with his girlfriend and her sister and her roommate and their parents. All told, it was a group of 15 people who decended upon Serrano's in Austin (pretty good Tex-Mex) - not that crowded for a Saturday night. Afterwards, we dropped him in his new place and let him alone with his roommate and meandered up to our hotel. Not a bad hotel, but the room seemed hot and we were never cool enough. Shoulda gone down and jumped in the pool but it was after 2300 and it was closed. Slept late (~0630), got up ran 2-3 miles in the heat (was 85 when I started), swam in pool, checked e-mails, ate breakfast, took shower, hit the local wallyworld for supplies, went over to pick up junior to take him out for early lunch at Hut's in downtown Austin. Fantastic burgers (try Arnold's Best). Was able to finish up and drop him off at his new home with the obligatory hugs and good luck before hitting the road south.
Was a pretty smooth ride home, but it was hot this entire weekend (did I mention how hot it was?). Thank goodness for a/c.

Made it home without much fanfare. Momma slept most of the way, so I was jamming to various tunes or the latest Astros loss. Picked up dog from parents and he did not seem too spoiled or worn out. They loved him and he had a good time but was glad to go home to his yard/bed. This is our 4th year and we should be used to it, but it has been a whirlwind week. Nothing like family to make you feel old....