We've gone empty nest!

Well, time certainly flies! We have officially become empty nesters. Both Adam and Parker have left home to go to school. We had planned on them taking turns going to school (they are nearly 5 years apart in age), but that is not how things have worked out. Cha-ching, cha-ching,...

Adam left first, just before Labour Day. He headed up to Canadore College in North Bay, about 4 hrs drive from home. He is in the Aviation Technology – Aircraft Maintenance and Avionics program. This is a 3-year intensive hands on training that seems to be right up Adam's alley. He is living in a basement apartment, sharing with his Dundas friend Neil, who is also going to Canadore for a different program. We don't have any current pictures of Adam of his move out date (we were at work), but if you check back to July 1, there are some pictures of him packing his first of several loads to head up to North Bay.

Parker left home last week. He is only about an hour away at Waterloo University in Kitchener-Waterloo. He is in the Bachelor of Arts & Business (Honours) Co-op program. He is planning to do a double major in Legal Studies and History. He is staying is residence at St. Jerome's University College (one of several colleges that are part of Waterloo U). It looks like a fantastic place to live and learn, as the Arts & Business program has a strong connection with St. Jerome's, having a number of his classes very close to his residence. He has a roommate and is on the 5th floor of a relatively new residence.

Parker heading out for his first day living away from home!

Parker setting up his room. 

Outside waiting for mom and dad to leave...

Parker's room a week later, after 'decoration'. He likes grey.

Adam is getting adjusted to his crazy schedule and the way things are run at the college. He really only had a few days during the Labour Day long weekend to get their apartment rearranged before classes began. We suspect that he may come up for air later in October, potentially coming back to our home for a few days.

Parker recently finished many days of orientation and was often too busy with friends to call us. Apparently there are a lot of females in Arts... and lots of card playing.  He is still figuring out textbooks and where everything is on campus. We dropped by just today to bring some things he needed, although he seems to forget that he has his own car there with him!  Maybe he will explore the area around the university with some friends.

Both boys seem to be adjusting well to not living under our roof. Time will tell whether they will see the opportunities and losses associated with living on their own. We are hoping that they have great adventures in their new environments.



And now, a teaser for a post that may come your way later this week...

Yes. That is a car booster seat.