We Made It

As you can see by the title of the post, we made it! I was pretty nervous about the whole thing--8 hour car trip with the kids, moving into a place we'd never seen in person, the Columbus heat and humidity, the cost, etc. But everything went surprisingly well.

First, the car trip went really great in large part because my mother-in-law sent along some great things for the kids. She sent along two little backpacks (see last pic on post) filled with snacks for the kids and then a men's large shirt FILLED with activities and 'surprises' for the kids. Each sleeve was full, each pocket filled, and then she had sewn extra pockets on the back filled with surprises. She sewed the shirt on the bottom and then filled the chest with even more stuff. And the first thing I opened in the shirt was a hand puppet that we named "Iggy" and each 45 minutes-hour he "woke up from his nap" and brought out a surprise for each of the kids----stickers, coloring books, pencils and pens, bubbles, etc. Wyatt especially loved Iggy and still talks about him 4 days after our trip. But we made our 8-hour trip in 10-hours which I thought was great!

Second, our place was even better than we had thought it would be and the neighborhood is so great. We got here at about 6pm on Thursday evening and by 9pm two of our neighbors had introduced themselves and offered to help in any way they could! I was warned by many of my friends that after leaving resident housing, don't be surprised if you don't meet your neighbors for awhile. But apparently that's not the case here in Columbus. We have since met several other people and they are so great---they are really friendly with the kids and have lent us ladders, hoses, etc. I am so thankful!!

We haven't had to turn the AC on yet! Granted I've been trying to put it off, but it really hasn't been too hot. I was so worried that it would just be unbearable, but at least our first few days here have been comfortable. (I'm sure those of you living in the 'south' just have to laugh when you hear me worry about the heat in Ohio! I know, I'm a wuss.)

A few more things I love about Columbus so far:
1. gas is $3.60/gallon (it was over $4/gallon when we left Madison)
2. every shopping/restaurant store you could imagine is here (I love being in a big city again!)

Okay, back to the move. We really couldn't have done this all without my parents. They have helped us with every move we have had (6 in 6 years) and have never complained or even thought about not helping. And we thought we wouldn't have to do another move on our own as we thought we'd have a job that would pay for this move. But when we decided to do the fellowship and told my parents we would be moving to Columbus, OH, their first comment was "Congratulations, just let us know what the dates of your move are and we'll take off work". Even I wasn't that enthusiastic about moving again! They are pros after having moved so many friends from church and their 3 girls several times and we definitely have reaped the benefits of this. And they have the energy of 20-year olds. Matt and I sometimes have a hard time keeping up with them--they are like energizer bunnies--never stopping until it's all done! My mom cleaned all the windows (including screens) and floors (and she is a meticulous cleaner!) and my Dad helped Matt move in all the furniture, setup our computer and all other electronic devices, hang pictures, anchor bookshelves, watch kids, run to Home Depot, etc. They left yesterday and we are sitting in a home (not just a house) largely because of them. We have almost every box unpacked and pictures hung because they are so amazing. So Mom and Dad, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! And we promise, this will be the last one.

My Mom (Nani) making a picnic on the kitchen floor for lunch with the kids

The kids' backpacks from my mother-in-law (Grammy)---they are still in their pajamas in this picture b/c they asked for their backpacks as soon as they woke up
We are really enjoying being settled in our own place and navigating our way around Columbus. I'm sure I'll have much more to post soon, but we are here in our new home, healthy and happy!!