August 21, 2026-Freshman Move in Day for Graham

(Click for today's pictures) 

• Graham has been ready to move into college for a few weeks now. He has been so excited, and we are so excited for him. We left the house a few minutes after we had planned to this morning. We wanted to leave a few minutes before 7, but it ended up being a few minutes after 7 plus we even had to turn around and go back to get Robby's computer.
• However, we still had time to stop at Buccees for some breakfast. Then we zoomed on to Ouachita. I think that Graham was a little nervous when we pulled onto campus. I was nervous for him too!
• Last year, dropping off Anderson, we had to wait in a crazy long line, but this year, we were there an hour earlier, but also the line was moving well. Within 15 minute of driving on campus, we were at Graham's dorm with everything from the white van unloaded. 
• We parked as he went in and found his room. The first thing he did was grab the desk by the window. His roommate made it to the room right after Graham, and the first order of business was arranging the beds and putting down the rug.
• Then we had to put together the couch. Anderson bought the couch last year, and since he isn't using it this year, Graham is making good use of it. It took a few minutes to get it together, but once it was done, we started putting things up. 
• Graham is sleeping on the top bunk and climbed to the top to start making his bed. We had packed mostly in bins, and I loved emptying a bin. Graham has a pretty good set up-they have lots of storage in their room. 
• We weren't able to get his phone cord to stay where it needed to go, and the bathroom shower storage is lacking, but other than that I think his move in went perfectly. After unloading everything, we went to eat Mexican at the restaurant at the edge of campus.
• Then we went to Walmart. I would have thought that a Walmart in a small town with two colleges would be lacking, but they were fully stocked with all of the things you would need. Robby and Graham went on the hunt for cord things and key chains while I picked up things for our trip along with something for Reagan's birthday box. 
• We went back to campus and dropped Graham off in his room. Then Robby and I went to change the light bulb in Reagan's headlight. It would have been easy to do, but the wires were practically apart so Robby had to tape them up, and hopefully it holds. We hadn't gotten sweaty all day, but we sure did then.
• We saw Reagan earlier in the day. She was helping move freshman girls in, but she took a break to come and see her brother's room. She even came back later in the day to check on him again. After fixing her headlight, we met up with Graham and walked to the bookstore to pick up Anderson's books. 
• Each time we passed Cone Bottoms we did have some punch and a popsicle-I had cookies and cream for 2 of the 3 popsicles I had and they were delicious. Soon it was time for the little ceremony that they do. 
• It was warm in the auditorium, and we were all tired so I struggled keeping my eyes open. However, the last bit they pray over each of the students and call their name. The admissions counselors are spread out across the room calling names, and it is pretty neat. 
• Then it was back to Cone Bottoms to tell our little boy good bye. We left Graham only to find Reagan again. She was getting ready to meet her group for the next few days. I think that she was excited about meeting new people, and Graham was excited about his group too because Brett is his leader for the next few days.
• Robby and I then headed home. We decided that we would stop at Buccees to pick up barbecue for a supper on our trip, plus we got us a bite of cookie dough to give us some energy for getting home. 
• Once we were home, we unloaded the car. Then Robby reloaded the minivan for the trip while I started working on loading the food in the camper. He then helped me, and after we had the food done, we loaded up Anderson's things before loading up the car on the dolly behind the camper. Lots of loading up happened tonight, but I feel pretty good about everything we accomplished (though I still have a few more things that need to happen tomorrow.)
• We celebrated our big day with ice cream at the Wilson's house tonight. We visited with them for a little bit. Then we had to return home to get back to work for a little bit longer. Now, we are headed to bed, and I'm just exhuasted!