The Fortnight of Moving, Part 1

It’s here!  The fortnight of moving.  Because of the way our tickets fell on a Monday, and the need to spend time visiting everyone and saying goodbyes, we ended up with what I have dubbed the “fortnight of moving.”
We’ve planned these weeks for 6 months now, and it feels surreal to be in the middle of them. I’ve been taking lots of photos!  I want to document this time for my children, and the family and friends that are interested.  If you’re not so interested, feel free to skip this series of posts.
Part 1 of the fortnight was June 22.  It started with the happy-and-relieved discovery of Don’s FBI Clearance in the mailbox.  Whew!  Really should have taken a photo of that, and of my poor, overloaded car on the way to Illinois.  We had several more items to deliver to their storage places with family and friend, plus luggage for the trip.  Let’s just say that the car and the roof rack were full. 
We arrived on Saturday afternoon at Don’s parents home.  The kids were thrilled, as always, to see Grandparents and other family members.

Ice cones with Grandma McGrew = summer delight.

Saturday evening, Milena was surprised with an early birthday party.  Actually, surprised was an understatement.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so shocked!  I knew she had been admiring a rainbow cake on Pinterest, so I slipped the recipe to Do’s sister Judy.  Milena was thrilled with the results!


On Sunday, we were happy to be able to attend a family reunion. We’ve missed this one for several years, so it was perfect time to catch up with family and enjoy way too much great food.

Debby and the cutest little dude at the party: 

Such a great helper!  Milena helped tirelessly in the kitchen during the reunion.  Most of her favorite people were in there too, and she enjoys working alongside her grandma and aunts.

Elijah and Uncle Dan keeping a balloon in the air:

Aunt Judy visited several times, and on Monday she brought this:

Not just a little fun, let me tell you.  This one was played with over, and over.  And OVER.  I don’t think the marbles were ever actually cleaned up for the next 48 hours.  They were always in motion.  Good times!
We left Don’s parents Wednesday morning with a tearful farewell.  We’re not so fond of all the goodbyes, that is certain.  We’re already looking forward to visiting in 10 months or so!
Part 2 coming soon…