For 17 very hot days in July, we three rode in planes, trains, and many cars to see colleges, family, friends, and the ocean. Our hero and homebody Huck has his eyes on very far away schools, and so off we went to see them in person. Thanks to years of living in Chicago and New York City, we were the thankful recipients of amazing hospitality beginning and ending in Davenport, Iowa. (This trip was brought to you by Jeni & Nathan, Dan & Michele, Lisa & Martin, Kristin & Andrew, Jen & Carl!) The predictable outcome? Huck’s top schools are MIT and University of Chicago. We saw many other fine contenders that Huck will apply to – some with official tours and others with us awkwardly walking around pointing to pretty buildings – and we will continue looking closer to home as well. Another predictable outcome? Fayetteville has made the Schremmers soft. The East Coast felt brutal at times with its fast traffic, lack of parking and public restrooms, and expensive price tags. Thank goodness for its fine people and ocean.
Things we learned about our hero on this journey: He can survive on little food. It takes him about six hours to crochet a tote bag. He felt a real connection at U-Chicago. He can drink more La Croix than anyone we’ve ever known. The next time he visits New York will be for a full week and he won’t be rushed to do anything. He’s a good highway driver. He does not like most school colors. He has a morbid sense of humor, especially with his cousin Lily. He’s an Enneagram Type 9 Peacemaker until he snaps and wants to kill me. He loves that MIT is full of whimsy. He wants to double major in math and French, perhaps teach math in Paris someday. He loves the beach at night. He will not consider a school whose dorms are not air conditioned. He really missed his friends during our time away. And lastly, he loses important things regularly like AirPods (found), crochet needle (found), overpriced phone charger (not found), wallet and keys (not found).
Next on our journey: college applications, financial aid forms, essay writing, and a trip to the DMV.

Leaving the Ordinary World







The Call to Adventure: University of Chicago!



The Mentor, Dan, in Recliner

A Walk Through our Old NYC Neighborhood!



Huck’s Magic Tree

Most of Huck’s Toddlerhood was Spent on those Swings



Princeton with the Miller-Margulis Family: Mafia Experts!


Princeton University

A Dream Come True with the Dackows in Madison!

New Jersey Transit: The Supreme Ordeal




I Suffered Heat Stroke During the Columbia University Tour.

I Made a Full Recovery at Tom’s.




Walking Around Yale Like Idiots

Cape Cod!





A Very Quick Visit to the Ocean While Our Hero Waited in the Car Because He Hates Beaches in Daylight




Seizing the Sword at MIT! (Hero’s Journey Theme Beginning to Feel Forced)


Walking Around Harvard like Idiots in the Rain

Tired Hero


Last Night in Cape Cod

Dramatic Hero

Marking the passing of time with these VERY tall toddlers!

Same Kids & More, Similar Cookie 2013




Michigan State University – Huck No Longer Poses Normally



The Road Back to Chicago!


More Proof of the Passing of Time: Baby Noah’s 21!

I Wish You All Could Have Seen this Routine.

No Trip to Chicago is Complete Without Troy & Alice Gardening

Cousin Laughter in Davenport Before Returning Home with the Elixir of Knowledge of All Things College Tour Related!