On June 23rd, 2011 we were packing up our hotel room at the Holiday Inn, heading off to sign the papers over for The Colonial and then driving three hours to sign papers for The New Place. I was driving our vehicle with four children, one hamster, one dog and one puppy plus whatever else we could fit in our vehicle that we couldn’t shove fit in the moving truck. Hubby was driving the moving truck in peaceful, blissful, lonely silence. We mae it here just in time for the closing and then managed to unload the moving truck that evening with a little help from a friend! We also had a giant pan of assorted delicious desserts awaiting us along with a beautiful flower arrangement from friends!
My parents also made the eight hour drive to come help us move in that weekend as well. We are so blessed and thankful for all the help loading up the moving truck, unloading the truck, the gifts, well wishes and goodbye parties!
It does not feel like it’s only been two months since we moved. Oddly enough, we feel like we’ve lived here forever. The kids have enjoyed the summer playing with friends and neighbors, going to the park almost daily, exploring the new city, checking out some new zoos, swimming pools and biking trails, games of kickball in the backyard and fires at night. We have also had some friends and family come and visit us, which has been a real treat for us!!!
The hubby is enjoying working from home and the kids don’t bother him, at all. It’s kind of weird but we’re not complaining. It’s been so nice having him here for an occasional quick 15 minute lunch on the back deck or even lunch just around the table. We have enjoyed some nice date nights downtown and for our anniversary even went somewhere a little more upscale than B’dubs, although I prefer B’dubs over most anything!
And of course with moving come the harder parts, like finding out where to shop for food and also a new church home. I must admit it was exciting to try out some different places and also somewhat surprising to see what’s out there but we have found a new church home and are going to start settling in there as well.
We know that this summer is more like a sabbatical for our family than what normal life will be like here. If anything, I think we’ve learned a few lessons and we will be very carefully considering all our time commitments and even how much we serve. We want to use our God given gifts and talents wisely but we also know that we only have a short time with our children before they are out into the world on their own. There is with all things, balance to be found and that is what we are taking with us from our past and hoping to apply here and now.
So all in all, we would rate this moving experience an A+ for our family! School starts in a few short weeks and then it’s into a routine again. But for now, we are going to enjoy these last few weeks of “The Best Summer, Ever” as my husband has dubbed it. This time together for our family has been priceless!!!
You have a beautiful family! So glad to hear your transition has been so smooth. God has his hand on this for sure
I am so glad the move has been a good experience and what a fabulous summer you've had. I haven't wanted summer to end. Love the last photo…such a beautiful family!
Love ya!
Heather
This was great post to read, Ange; so full of good new! I'm really happy that your move and your summer have gone well. It says a lot that you feel like you've lived in your new place forever.
Your kids are scrumptious! I love the one of your little boy standing on the fence post beside his dad. It brings back memories of when my son was small like that.
How nice to know you're adjusting well! I hear ya about needing to take a moment to reevaluate your life commitments with church and school and social activities. You make a great point about spending as much time with the kids before they're grown and gone. Ultimately I’m glad you have found a home church too!