They grow up and move out...

My oldest daughter is leaving for college tomorrow. I know that this is a natural step for kids, but I am still having a hard time with it. I think I just need one more year with her at home. She skipped fifth grade so she is going to school a year earlier than she should. I have been sorry about making the decision to allow her to skip fifth grade for years. Even though it seemed right at the time, there really is no reason to rush them through school. She was really bored where she was before she moved up a grade and did very well after she was moved. But now here she is packing to move away. She is going to a college in Northern California, which is a six hour drive from here. Ray wanted to have us visit his mother who lives about an hour from the school. So we are going to make it into a little vacation. Dakota and I are going to drop them off at his mother's house and then get a hotel room by the school. We will move some of her things in Sunday morning and then spend a few hours shopping for various things. She is going to spend the night in the dorm and I will meet up with her Monday for a parent's welcome luncheon. She may be able to spend some time with us Tuesday before we leave. The whole first week for her is orientation, which is great. They really want the students to be comfortable with the campus and classes before the year gets started, which is great.
I am really dreading leaving her and I am sure it will be hard. She is a smart girl and is excited to start classes. I know it will be a great learning experience for her. I am really hoping she loves it. Once she says she is happy and is fine I will feel much better. People think I am a little crazy when I say I am having empty nest syndrome, but I think I am. I don't care if I have four other kids still at home. Having one leave is hard. Did I say I thought that them moving out was natural?