Thank you to Follett for sponsoring today’s post on #FallBackToSchool. As always, the opinions are my own.
Back to school time can be stressful. Getting organized and back to a routine is hard for both kids and parents. In our family this year, we had a little bit more to add to the stress. My teen, Rosie, was getting ready to start her freshman year in high school where she only knew a handful of kids. Her cousin, Jenna, was gearing up to head out to Indiana University for her freshman year. Since we live ten hours away, we thought we’d get the girls together for a little late summer fun before they’d #FallBackToSchool
While we spent most of the time in the suburbs, we headed to Chicago for a full day of cousin fun. First up? Lunch with cousin Marissa in Wicker Park at a totally cool pizza place. Our first time to eat mac and cheese pizza. Yummy.
Next we headed to the Museum of Science and Industry. I remember going on a middle school field trip. It took all day to get through the place and I loved it. Since these kids have so much more available to them online, it wasn’t as awesome as it was when I was 13. However, both girls were enthralled by the body exhibit (they look so serious).
Then we headed to Millenium Park to see the Big Bean (actually the real name for the sculpture is Cloud Gate but everyone know’s it as a bean) and Crown Fountain. And, yes, that is a picture of me taking a picture of them taking a selfie. So cool.
We had an awesome time but I think the highlight of the trip was dinner at Sugar Rush. If you’ve never been, it’s a sugaraholic’s dream come true. Huge sugary drinks and lots of candy. Perfect for these teens.
With school just two weeks away, it was great to get the girls together and have some fun. Jenna had been getting all her gear together to head off to IU, so it was nice for her to have a week of fun- especially because prepping for college can be hard work.
The Follet Corporation has put together a site to ease the transition back to school for all ages. I thought this infographic is helpful for incoming freshman to make sure they have all the gear they need for a great year. I can tell you from surviving dorm life that those shower shoes are super important.
You’ll want to check out their site. Lots of great info on how to fund college, pay for student loans. There’s a wealth of information there to make gearing up for school easy.
Jenna’s been at school almost a month and she’s loving college life. Rosie and I are planning to send her a care package soon to make her transition even better. How do you make #FallBacktoSchool time stress-free?
Cosmetics Aficionado says
I am dreading sending my kids to college. I am going to cry and miss them lol.
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debcb says
Me too. So glad I have four more years.
debcb recently posted…Getting ready to #FallBackToSchool
Phyrra says
Mosi is always fun! One of the most fun museums to visit.
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debcb says
Oddly, it wasn’t as fun as I remember as a kid but they enjoyed themselves.
debcb recently posted…What does your daughter have?
Kendra says
I loved check lists when it came to planning for college. I’m sure she’ll love the care package 🙂
debcb says
Hope so. I used to love getting them from my Nana.
debcb recently posted…What does your daughter have?
ashley says
We were just in Chicago two months ago and visited MOSI + cloud gate. Love it there!
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debcb says
We do too. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in the city. Since all our family lives on the North Shore we usually just hang out in the burbs.
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Jess Scull says
She is going to be so happy to get a care package from you!
debcb says
We can’t wait to send one. Just have to figure out what to put in it.
debcb recently posted…What does your daughter have?
Kathy Penney says
Yes to the mini fridge and extended sheets! I had a mini fridge in my room and it was so nice to have some cold stuff right in my room and not have to go to the student lounge. And yep, I learned the hard way about the sheets!
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Cassie says
I have a major sweet tooth so, I totally want to visit that sugar factory! Lol! I love the college checklist! I have a loooong way to go before the boys are in college, but I make checklist every year for school to make sure we have everything!
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