<p>I just pasted my second post on the Families Weekend thread under a new title, thinking that if you won't be able to attend, you might not feel like reading about the event.
(So this is just a repeat message ...)</p>
<p>This will be my first time back on campus since my son's freshman year. Soph/ junior years, we didn't go to Families Weekend -- we don't live in Texas, and airfares and hotel add up fast. A few of his suitemates' parents were buzzing around the suite and I could sense a bit of homesickness. I like to send Priority Mail flat rate packages stuffed with favorite snacks, and I timed packages to arrive right before these weekends. Hardly the same as all the joyous hugs, but he knew we were there with him in spirit. </p>
<p>Some Rice parents skip the official event and drop by during times that are more convenient.
Skyping, calls, staying connected while other parents are visiting ...</p>
<p>I missed Families Weekend during sophomore and junior years … it’s nice to send some favorite snacks, photos, magazines, books, etc. out to campus on Monday or Tuesday… One year I ordered something at the campus bookstore for my son, knowing that he could exchange it for something he might prefer… </p>
<p>In any case, package or no package, with lots of parents in sight, this would be an ideal
time to talk to your Owl and send lots of love.</p>
<p>If you want to see what the bookstore’s selling … [Welcome</a> to Rice University Bookstore](<a href=“http://rice.bncollege.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/BNCBHomePage?storeId=19052&catalogId=10001]Welcome”>http://rice.bncollege.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/BNCBHomePage?storeId=19052&catalogId=10001)</p>
<p>Home-baked chocolate chip cookies hit the spot, too! A letter that keeps your Owl up on local doings and let’s him/her know others are thinking about her/him while he/she’s working hard can bring everyone closer, too.</p>