Planes, Trains & Automobiles
I’d like to preface this post with a huge thank you to all the family and friends who pitched in to help us make this move a reality. We could not have done it without you. You reminded us just how loved we are (and how sad we are to be moving away).
It simultaneously feels like just a few weeks ago and years ago that we made the decision to move. We packed a lot of things into a short space of time- prepping the house for sale, listing, packing and moving. In retrospect, what we did was slightly crazy. But at the same time, maybe we are moving at the same pace we always have.
I smile when I think of the memory of agreeing to marry almost forcing strongly encouraging Chad to propose after a little over a year of dating. Planning a wedding in 7 months. Finding out we were pregnant a week after returning from our honeymoon, on the same day we finalized an offer on our first home. Welcoming Alice Jane less than 2 years after welcoming Avery Marie. Maybe this is just our pace.
I’d like to report that we safely made it to our new home in Estero, FL. Chad and I drove our cars from MN to FL over 3 days while Chad’s parents graciously watched Avery and Alice. I was surprised to learn that I love road trips (without children). The drive had a very calming effect, especially after our harried last days of cleaning the MN house and preparing for closing.
Florida greeted us with its heat and humidity (felt like 101 degrees with 71% humidity on day of arrival) and my hair responded appropriately. Endless frizz. After arriving in FL on Monday, I boarded a plane back to Iowa on Tuesday to pick up the girls. I was tired, but at least I wasn’t driving. I spent a quick night in Iowa and then flew back to Florida with girls in tow on Wednesday morning (imagine, 6am flight with 2 and 4 year old).
I expected that the flight with the girls would be painful. 1) They’ve had a boatload of change over the last month, but especially within the last week. 2) We had to get up at 3:30am. 3) I was traveling solo with them (no Chad backup). The flight involved some bribery with gummies and tablets. We experienced a few tantrums, with one per usual being on the airport bathroom floor (by the regular culprit). Alice developed a fever while on the plane. But all in all, it was much smoother than expected.
We made it to the beach on Wednesday night after a seafood dinner. As the sun began to set we watched the girls splash around & our hearts felt full. We brought two sandy, sleepy girls home and tucked them into their new beds.
More to come soon,
Laura
PS. Yes, we’ve filled our gas tanks, stocked up on water and canned food. Crossing our fingers that hurricane Dorian disappears. Or something like that.
