Since leaving Toronto at the beginning of June this is the only date we knew with certainty that we had to be somewhere specific. Today was a HUGE day. We arrived in Ithaca, NY to see our niece, Mackenzie, start university at Cornel. We can’t believe she is old enough to go to university! It seems like yesterday we were at the hospital in Toronto welcoming her into the world. Our lives have not been the same since. This is a very special young woman. She has worked so hard to get here. We learned tonight at Parents 101 that 43,000 students apply to attend this university, roughly 6,000 are accepted and about 3,260 are actually enrolled as new Cornellians. She will be studying Biological Sciences.

She was told she could move into her dormitory between 2 and 5pm. We arrived and were greeted by a team of volunteer movers/students. They were so organized and welcoming. Within 10 minutes Mark and Tina’s Suburban was emptied and the contents moved to the hallway outside of Mackenzie’s room. Mackenzie will be in terrific company with this cheerful, hard-working group of kids. Within two hours the six of us had her room completely set up, organized and ready to live in for the year. She is spending her first night in her new room tonight.

Once we parted the rest of us (Mark, Tina, Jakob, Christian, Julie) attended the CALS (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) reception for parents given by the Dean followed by Parents 101 at Bailey Hall. The Vice President of Administration spoke to parenting new Cornellians. It was a full exciting day. Looking forward to tomorrow – more excited to come.