The Countdown Has Begun

Only 1 week from now, we will wave goodbye to our NC home and embark on the 12-hour drive to Rochester, NY. It is happening so fast and there is still alot to be done. There is an almost fully packed bag or box in every room of our house right now and I keep adding to each one as I remember more things we will need up there! We were able to sell Nolan's crib, changing table and dresser on Craig's List, so he is currently sleeping on a mattress on the floor (we plan to buy him a twin bedroom set once we get settled in our new house). Each of the kids get their own Rubbermaid tote they can fill with the toys/animals they want to bring. But, with two smaller-size cars, we are quickly running out of room!

At the same time, in addition to packing, we are working hard to get our house ready to sell. Ryan has done a great job of organizing and cleaning out the garage. We had pressure-washers come out yesterday to clean the outside of the house and the gutters. Next comes the window-washing and deep cleaning of everything else indoors, plus a little touch-up painting. It's hard for it to truly feel like Christmas with all this moving busyness we have going on. But, we are doing our best to take little breaks and do some fun activities with the kids so they aren't robbed of their Christmas experience.

Despite all the craziness of our lives, we are excited for this new adventure. The kids are looking forward to our first family road trip and they think it is hilarious that Casey (our cat) will be in the car with us the whole way! They also will get to share a room in the corporate apartment where we will spend our first 60 days, so they can't wait for that. It will be a much smaller space for all of us to live in, but hopefully, it will bring us closer and we will make some fun memories!

Lauren has now "recovered" emotionally from saying goodbye to her friends and her old school. So, she is ready to make new friends and start at Webster Christian School in January. Ryan spent all last week working at his new job and is thrilled about the opportunity, the family-focused atmosphere and the great people he is working with. As for Nolan & I, we will be hanging out in the apartment alot, playing in the snow and going to the YMCA as much as possible! :)