Bye-Bye Shampoo Banana

There is a saying in Russia that 2 fires are better than one move. After this move, I understand that sentiment more than ever. We are settling into our new home in the Philly area. Before we arrived last week, there were a few must-do events to attend in our old town.

On a crazy hot day, we took the kids to the Taste of CU. It was fun for about an hour but the heat got the most of all of us, especially Sophie, who cannot tolerate extremes in temperatures very well. Still, I'm glad we went.

One last Girls' Night Out was a must. The next morning at Zumba, I do believe my sweat had an alcohol content. Uggh. That's the price for partying like a rock star.

We said good bye over and over. It never got any easier. Thanks for everything Pastor Donna!

Listen, I don't know how you prepare for a cross-country move, but in my house there are drinks to be had and bad eating habits are a comfort. I just wish those extra 15 freaking pounds on my butt hadn't moved with me. Can we all say, "stress eating?" Operation lose the moving weight has begun.

Just before we moved the last time, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky above our house. The same thing happened again days before we pulled up stakes. We believe it was a sign telling us that we are on the right path and everything will work out just as it is supposed to.

I had to snap a few pictures of the flowers in our front yard that I just love and will miss.

Before the big trip we all headed to the drive in for Toy Story 3. As always, the drive-in experience didn't disappoint.

While we loaded the trucks, Alexander got to attend the 1st day of Vacation Bible School.

On the road at long last. Two big trucks filled to the breaking point with all our junk plus two regular vehicles. Our family, plus our 2 cats, Mark's parents and little brother made up our caravan to our new lives. We stopped for the night in Wheeling, WV.

Hello Eastern Time Zone!

Sundaes in the Park

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening for our goodbye party. The gorgeous sky was cloudless and the temperature was perfect. It was warm enough for splashing around in the water, but not hot enough to be uncomfortable.

Gathered at our neighborhood park, a large number of our friends came together to build their own sundaes and say goodbye to our little family. I was touched by how many came to wish us well. Yesterday was a day filled with tears. Happy tears for the new adventure that we are set to embark upon and sadness for leaving behind a community that we have grown to love. A community that embraced us from the moment we set foot in this corn field.

Thanks C-U. You will all forever be in our hearts!
(slideshow below)

Spontaneity

We were exhausted from cleaning and packing all day, not to mention dirty. The girls had bed head from their naps. Despite our appearances we got out the double stroller - M.C.U. (mobile command unit) and headed out into the neighborhood.

Some how, without prior planning, we made it all the way to our favorite restaurant where the guacamole makes me happy, the chips are addicting, and the beer comes in a giant mug.

We sat outside under a giant umbrella and learned that Helena, (who takes after me), can put down a serious amount of chips and guac. I loved sitting at that round metal table. Every once in a while when I look at my children I am overcome with how amazing our little family is. In that moment the festive Mexican music set the mood as we all relaxed. Sweat dripped off our mugs as I drank in my beautiful family and rested my weary bones. Heaven.

I can't help it. I love this shot (above), but it needs a caption. Anyone?

Afterwards we made a detour to the custard shop and then headed to our park. The kids have always thought of it as our park because it is so close to our house. We're going to really miss it.

We headed home and ended the night with bubble baths. Sometimes the best family trips are 100% unplanned.

Memorial Day

We have a new header photo!

click the collage to enlarge