Settling In

 We are in fact settling in. 

We are completely unpacked, except one box of decor (today it will be done). Helps we left most of our things behind, which is also hard and sad. We would open a box and think, “why did this make it, but that didn’t?” At times, it’s been a gut punch with a side of tears and then we remember, things are just things and our emotions are tied to people; something I’ve preach to my kids regularly. Some things we need to replace like pizza pans, baking dishes, bread pans and muffin tins and we will in time as our move ended up costing quite a bit more than expected. 

The move. 

We packed up and cleaned our Florida home until 2:30am on June 4. Our plan was to leave Florida at 4am on June 4. We left about 10am and were already behind schedule. Offed my husband's new to him 22 year old truck just inside GA due to a blown head gasket, which led to getting a u-haul truck to replace the trailer. We unloaded and loaded and unloaded and loaded, leaving us three more hours behind schedule. We did not make it to have dinner with friends or stay at my in-laws. Instead, My husband and two boys stayed just outside Atlanta and the rest of us stayed in Chattanooga. Nice for us as we got to sleep in while we waited for the boys to catch up. I had a meltdown as we filled gas tanks that morning as it was my turn to drive the u-haul AND I was in the mountains. A meltdown not warranted because it wasn’t a bad drive and truly beautiful. We made it to Moline, IL about midnight. Again, we had to forgo dinner with a friend. We headed out the next morning and headed home. We did back track a bit to get gas as it was over $1 cheaper per gallon across the bridge, who knew. 

U girls made one stop and made great timing! We got to our new home by 2pm.

Side note: our kids are amazing travelers! They were soooo good! 

The guys had the truck unloaded in no time while us girls cleaned and cleaned and cleaned. I’ve never moved into a place so dirty and if you know me, you know I am a clean freak! 

Settled. 

We’ve attended church, kids camp, youth group, young adult worship nights, graduation parties, an engagement party, Bingo, Como zoo and more. We’ve hung out with our besties more than we can count and have seen Grandma almost every day and Grandpa often. 

Moving back to family, close friends and our home church has been so so good for all of us. Yet, we have also grieved our beloved church in Tampa, our close friends and most importantly, not having my oldest and his girlfriend here with us. It’s been a tough week for me as I miss my biggest kids so so much, but I know we will see them soon. 

Here’s to new beginnings in our home state. 

Photo Dump: