The lyrics from the song "Go West" by the Village People best describes the past few weeks for us. It's been awhile since my last post because so much has happened in a short period of time. I spent half a week in Utah with Andy on a house hunting trip where we decided that building (yes, this is our 3rd for those of you keeping track) was the best option for us. We chose our lot and most of the options during that trip. We were fortunate enough to find us a temporary apt. that allowed a dog within the elementary school boundary of where our house will be built. The move in date was scheduled for Aug. 22.
After I got back to Jax from picking up the munchkins at my parents house where they were during this trip, we got an offer on the house. God's timing is always perfect. We had the movers and packing crew lined up for the week of the 17th and a flight booked for me and kids to Pennsylvania where we visited with friends and family while the moving truck as well as Andy and Penton were all driving out west.
The kids and I stayed with my mother-in-law for 5 days while we visited with everyone. My brother & parents were also in town because my grandfather's cancer had taken a turn for the worse. My grandfather's spirit lifted when he saw his great grandbabies. I just wish he could have seen my niece as well.
Andy will argue that he had the worst deal of our moving adventure. He drove his pickup truck with our person items and his co-pilot, Penton for 3 days. I on the other hand had to manage the packers, movers, two kids, a dog and then fly myself and the kids w/ a suitcase, two car seats, a diaper bag, a backpack and a stroller! The flight to BWI was easy b/c it was less than 2 hrs. The flight to SLC was a nightmare! By the time Kendall finally fell asleep, Riley decided he had to go to the bathroom and refused to go alone. Well, as you can imagine, Kendall woke up and remained awake for the next 4 hrs of the 5 hr. flight...I dodged a few ugly stares, but what is a mom to do, the poor kid was up at 5:45am for a 9am flight!
We all arrived safe and sound in Utah and got ourselves into our new apt. A few minor glitches, but nothing to complain about. Finally getting our satellite hooked up this weekend (I hope)! I didn't realize how much I depended on the news to keep me informed...I hadn't realized Ted Kennedy had died until my friend Chris sent me a text message about it!
Unpacking with a VERY active 13 month old has been interesting. Our apt is very nice, but is 1/2 the sq. footage of our home in Jax. We have two storage units nearby housing the rest of our stuff that doesn't fit in the apt, but trying to keep Kendall from moving things from room to room has proven ineffective! I get something out of a box and in moments it's gone and I can't find it! Oh well, it can't go far in small quarters!
Riley is set to start school on Thurs. the 3rd. We met his teacher and she's really nice. He's in the morning class which will hopefully allow me some time to get things done while he's gone - groceries, errands, etc. I will drive him to school in the morning, but I think I'll let him have the experience of riding the bus home since it will only be kindergarteners. (for all my Florida friends, kdg is 2 hrs. 40 min M-Th and 2 hrs. on Fri.) From our new home, he will be able to walk to school, which he is very excited about.
Here are some pictures of the past few weeks I thought some of you might enjoy seeing. Sorry for the long blog...just wanted to catch everyone up
Riley and Kendall at the Dinosaur Museum in Utah:
Kendall's first trip to Pine View Dairy:
Look how big that dog is Mom!
Riley and his good friend Silly Jilly:
Riley visiting with his buddy Myles:
Riley and Jameson deciding which jump will produce the biggest splash:
Riley and Sammy playing together:
Kelsey the cheetah catcher:
Kyle and Kendall:
Jody finally getting to meet Kendall in person:
Riley and Uncle Matt pondering the many questions of life:
This picture was taken for Meredith since she and I both love this place and we were wishing she was with us:
