The last few weeks have been full of choices. I had to make a decision about practically every item in my house (store it, leave it for the tenants, sell it, donate it or pack it in the suitcase!)
If you've had a conversation with me in the last month, you know that packing a suitcase for 10 months is a bit intimidating, particularly for the type of journey we're doing that includes 2 weeks traveling by car, a cottage visit, hotels, flights, 18 day cruise (requires formal attire!) and then a camping trip in New Zealand. It's going to be about 2 -3 months before we have a rental unit to call "home". Until then, we'll be living out of suitcases. Ladies, if you're wondering, here are the shoes that made the cut and fit in my suitcase . . .
It's been a great couple of weeks in August and with a family wedding, farewell party, plus some get-togethers with friends, we've been able to see many of the special people in our lives and bid them farewell for the year. A special morning with Rachel this week was key for our boys - our favourite babysitter world - EVER! We keep reciting the same mantra to everyone . . . it's OK, we are coming back next year, time will pass so quickly!
Lots of changes (job, house, school), but so far the boys are coping well. It will be quite a while before they have separate rooms again (maybe even until we return home next year), but after 4 sleeps at Uncle Mike's and Aunt Laura's, they seem to have mastered sleeping in the same bed.
Thank you for all of the well wishes for our adventures! Sorry if we missed seeing you over the summer! We leave mid morning tomorrow . . . and so the journey begins (at least for the kids who haven't spent a year planning this!), tears and excitement all mixed up together.
Our Jackson left church today and said that when Xavier and Jackson return after he is done school this year he would like for them to come over for a sleepover. So in a few months there is a standing sleepover party waiting to be had! In the meantime, you will be missed but I look forward to hearing about your incredible adventures!
ReplyDeleteKristen
Seriously, I can't believe that many shoes made the cut!!! I wondered how many were from thrift stores. Maybe if more of us shopped there, we could take off for a school year too! :)
ReplyDeleteFunniest thing about the shoes . . . 4 pairs were from the thrift store ($6-8 each pair) that I had picked up this year, one pair of casual runners I bought a couple of years ago at Walmart, the flip flops came from my sister Laura's garage sale and the lovely floral sandals were from my aunt! She was helping me pack 2 days before we left the house and as I was passing the front door, I said "Who's shoes are these and where did you get them??? They're just what I've been looking for!". She didn't even make me go buy my own pair! LOL Thanks Aunt Jean!
ReplyDeletePS Kristen: we'll take you up on that sleepover option - the boys can sleep anywhere now!