...and they all settled down for a long winter's nap..."

<p>Not sure it’ll always be this peaceful around here, but for now, it’s lovely. My son, a college freshman, had a rather miserable two weeks of exams between Thanksgiving and his winter break. Now that he’s back, he’s having a ball: seeing his buddies, visiting and revisiting his old stomping grounds at the HS. Right now, he’s gone caroling! I’ve heard it said many times here and elsewhere, but when kids go off to college, there’s something magical that happens…and it’s called growing up. I think indeed, that’s been happening here.</p>

<p>He’s been a bit more independent than the old days. Comes and goes a lot more often than I recall. But, I especially enjoy his happy attitude. Being away at college hasn’t always been easy for him, but a break from that grind and seeing his buddies and knowing he’s not the only kid feeling that way has helped him much more than I ever could.</p>

<p>How is it in your household? Now that your college student is back, do you hear talk about transferring (as my oldest did) or is he/she starting to settle in, as my second kid has?</p>

<p>dropped off my youngest today @ the train station, dropped off oldest yesterday to take the train home to PDX.
SO it is pretty quiet here too.
H is leaving on Xmas ( taking my car too!), to drive down to PDX to take the girls snowboarding and sledding and coming back the next day.
( Cause youngest is taking a friend up to her university to try and talk her into transferring on Sunday)</p>

<p>Youngest D, must have arrived in Portland safely, texting me lots of questions about the money I sent her with- if it was for food or presents- ;), she texts me more than she talks to me when she is home!</p>