So a quick summary of our adventures:
A 7 day cruise with just Jared, myself and my parents: Aaaah. It was heavenly to relax, eat incredible food, do whatever I wanted to do, and spend time with people that I love so much. It is the first time we have left our children for longer than overnight and they did GREAT. My sister Michelle, and her husband, Brian, and daughter, Gabbi, flew out from Washington DC to stay with Brielle and Nathan. They did such an amazing job taking care of our kids that they hardly noticed we were gone. Thanks for loving them Mel and Brian. And thank you for taking us on the cruise Mom and Dad. The memories made will always be treasured! For pictures of the cruise go here: http://kenandkayhinton.blogspot.com/2010/05/we-be-cruisin.html
An Ultrasound: We had 3 days to do laundry, prepare for trip #2, and spend delightful time with Brian, Michelle and Gabbi. On our way out of town on Wednesday we stopped at the doctor's office where we were able to see our sweet baby BOY. He is growing pefectly and doing well. We are thrilled to have another little boy join our family. For the first time ever on my side of the family we will have more boys and girls! What a change that will be from the family of all girls I grew up in.
A 7 day house hunting trip: We dropped Brielle off with Grandma and Grandpa (she loved every second of her own very special time with her grandparents...and possibly got a little bit spoiled :) ) and flew with Nathan to Appleton, Wisconsin where we immediately began the housing search. After 3 days of looking at existing homes we found one house that we really loved, only to find out that someone beat us to the punch by 1 day and it was already under contract. So sad. So, we made the decision to build and spent the next 3 days meeting with different builders, coming up with house plans, and looking for lots. We found the perfect country lot (1+ acre about 10 minutes from shopping) with trees and wildlife (deer, pheasants, birds etc.) all around. We also came up with the "perfect" floorplan and will most likely start building in the next month.
Moving: We were planning to move about 3 weeks after our house hunting trip to allow time for closing on a house. With the change in plans we felt it important to be out there in order to make decisions on building, so we move in 5 days. Whew. We just got back to pick up Brielle yesterday and on we go to Provo today to prepare for the next phase of our life. I admit there is some anxiety mixed with the excitement of this big change, but it will all work out and I know we will be so happy out there (with the help of internet, phones and airlines...it is so hard moving away from family!).
Some Highlights from the last few weeks have been:
- The Reunions: Those tight, tight hugs and delightful squeals upon reuniting with our children and the increased number of cuddles in the days following are so heartwarming. Possibly may favorite reunion was between Nathan and Brielle yesterday. They were SO excited to see each other again. The whole way home Nathan kept saying "we are going to see Brielle!!" They squealed when they saw each other and gave each other great big loves and have loved playing with each other again.
- Brielle's independence: She knew she had the privilege of staying with Grandma and Grandpa all by herself because she is so obedient and good. So, she decided to grow up even more, doing all bedtime and morning routines by herself. She has been one who likes to have grown-ups help her even when she can do it by herself. Not last week. She did everything she could on her own. It is so fun to watch her grow up.
- Strengthened relationships with extended family: Jared and I loved the time alone together and treasured the time with Mom and Dad as well. It really was rejuvenating. Plus, our children have developed deep relationships with Aunt Michelle, Uncle Brian, Cousin Gabbi, Grandma Kay and Grandpa Ken that will last throughout their lives, bringing them an added measure of love and stability. I am just beginning to see how truly important that is.
- Seeing wonderful friends again: Wisconsin really will become a second home. It brings tears to my eyes as I think of the wonderful people that will become our second family as we move to Wisconsin. They watched Nathan everyday we were there so we were free to look for houses and we got offers from many others to help out if we needed it. Plus they fed us, encouraged us (looking for houses gets tiring :) ), and welcomed us. What a comfort that brings during the moving process.
- Strengthened family relationships: As Jared, Brielle, Nathan and I sat in the family room this morning playing Marble Works together, I realized how much our family relationships have been strengthened as well. I am grateful to go through these big changes with those wonderful people.
Life is good. And if you made it through that whole post, you are good too! :)
