The last week of school before the winter break was a super busy one for us. The movers came to the house to pack all of our things and load them all into the big truck. It was pretty hard to see everything getting boxed up. I was quite glad though that it wasn't me doing all the packing. We have so much stuff. I felt like we got rid of tons, but the boxes just kept on coming.
To make things harder, I came down with something awful on one of those days. I had the chills, a fever, and horrible sore throat. Chris was on the east coast, and it was just me, the movers, the kids, and all the work of getting us moved out and into my parent's house. Thankfully, my parents and in-laws were there to save the day. I couldn't have survived it all without them. They brought me soup and meds so I could make it through.
On the second night at my parents' house I was putting the kids to bed as usual. We were all sharing one big room, so Neil had a hard time settling down. I was pulling him back to bed for the hundreth time and he started crying loudly. I had no idea what was wrong with him, but after a few minutes he fell asleep, and I didn't think much of it. That night was horrible! He woke up every couple hours crying in pain. I still didn't know what was wrong. I debated going to the ER, but he kept falling back asleep. I made a 3am run for motrin and waited til the morning to bring him in. By then I was pretty sure he had something dislocated. Sure enough, it was his elbow. Poor kiddo. The Dr. quickly popped it back in, and all was well. It made for a traumatic start to our vacation.
The next day, Chris and I closed on our house. What a crazy feeling to sign away your first home. So sad and surreal. I wasn't quite ready to leave. We had so many good times there, and so many wonderful friends. That night we went out to look at Christmas lights. It was nice to do something relaxing and non-move related.
Chris finally joined us the weekend before Christmas and we were all so excited to see him! All our work was done, and we could finally enjoy the break together along with all the extended family that came to town. We had so much fun playing games, going to movies, chatting, eating tons of junk food, and even making planking pyramids.
(Chris on bottom, me, Keara, and trying to add Claire...you know you want to try it)
Christmas Eve was spent making rubber band bracelets, and eating more food. We were lucky enough to score 2 Christmas dinners this year! Time to break out the fat pants. The kids had a blast decorating cookies for Santa (although 6 each was a little excessive....Santa probably had to throw some away). We also opened up our traditional Christmas PJ's.
Christmas day was wonderful and crazy. Between both our families, and running across the street a couple times, things were chaotic. So many people, and so many gifts! I was glad that I had bought myself more luggage. I needed all of it!
Gift highlights: Claire...clothes, glitter shoes, books, nano bot fish, minnie mouse, monopoly, Frozen princesses, and lots of accessories. Grace...tons of my little ponies, castle, Doc Mc Stuffins paraphernalia, a Frozen doll, and clothes. Neil...this was the year of the airplane. So many planes! He also got magformers, cars, Scout the dog, books, and clothes. Me....Chris broke the pact of no gifts. He bought me some nice diamond stud earrings. Thank you sweetheart! Chris....he got some pop rocks among some other small things. (yet to have them)
Over the Christmas break, we all passed around this nasty 24hr bug. All three of my kids succumbed to it over the 3 week period. Not in a row though. So every night I would wake up the second I heard a kid get up, just hoping not to hear the terrible sounds. It was hard to get much quality sleep that way. Thankfully, Chris and I managed to escape it. I was glad that he was with me to help when it was Neil's turn. Never fun on your own. I only mention all that because it really was a huge part of the break. Everyone just trying to stay healthy.
Since both my sisters were in town, we decided it would be fun to host a baby shower for Bree. She's having a girl, so what better way to see some cute girly clothes? Our Aunt Hilary had it at her house, and my mom, Keara, and I tackled the decorations and food. We went with elephants for a theme, and it turned out pretty nice.
The baby shower was a success, and afterwards we headed to the Hancock's house to play some games. We sure are going to miss all our game nights. We always have such a good time!
On New Year's Eve we all got together with both families and ate appetizers and played some games. Then, when it was time.. (about 8:30pm) ..we taped glow sticks to our limbs, cranked a super fun dance party playlist, turned off the lights, and busted a move! It was our second time doing this. Last year our good friends, the Masons, introduced us to this really fun party activity. Our family all loved it! We had probably 15 people shakin it in the dark. We danced until we were all tired out. It was a perfect way to end the year. I think it will be our new tradition. :)
We also got together as a fam and made this little gem... (I should clarify that it was mostly the girls and my sister)
Chris had to go back to Virginia on New Year's day which was sad. The kids and I stayed for another week at my parents house. Things went well. We relaxed, went back to school, and just enjoyed spending time together. I was able to have another fantastic girls night out with my wonderful lady friends. It's always a good time with them! We laughed so hard and took many hideous selfies. We were super hot! As usual, we closed the place down on a school night. I am seriously missing all my friends. You are my rock and my support. Please don't forget about me. I promise that I will be back and want to stay in the loop with your lives. I care about all of you, and can't wait until we can party again.
Our last night in Hillsboro was difficult. We had a pizza party with both the families and really had a good time with each other. It was very hard to say goodbye. I'm not sure yet when I'll get to see them all again. I miss you all already!
Saturday morning was the big day. I am SO thankful for my parents and all their help over the entire 3 weeks, but especially on our big move day. I had 5 checked bags, 3 car seats, 1 stroller, 4 backpacks, 1 other bag, and 3 kids to move. My dad was great! He loaded us all up, got us the luggage carts, and helped me get everything checked in. Both my parents were able to walk us all the way to the gate. We made it just in time to board. Again, goodbyes were hard, but we made it on the plane. Phew!
As soon as we were on, I decided I needed to break out the benadryl. Neil was already giving me a hard time, and I couldn't fathom 5 more hours of the same. Thankfully, it kicked in really fast. He was so pleasant and quiet. I was thinking, this is fantastic, this flight will be a piece of cake. It lasted like that maybe 2 hours or so. The problem was he was very tired, but he couldn't fall asleep. So he got very cranky. At one point he melted down because he didn't want to wear the seatbelt. Too bad it was quite turbulent at that point. He lost it again before landing when his ears hurt. Overall, it really wasn't too bad. Just those 2 difficult times. Unfortunately, we always seem to end up in the back of the plane. It's so hard to wait to get off. By the time we could deplane, Neil was throwing a fit. I had to drag him (while he's refusing to walk), and 2 of my bags off the plane. Thankfully, Claire was able to help with Neil's bag, and the nice airline people had my stroller already set up and waiting for me. I plopped him in and walked quickly out of there. By the time I was approaching the area where I knew Chris would be, I couldn't hold the tears back any longer. I was losing it. I handed him the stroller, and tried to regain myself. I had made it. It was over.
3 comments:
Aww man! You had me outright giggling over a couple of things and crying by the end! :( Sure love you and can't wait until we can have an epic GNO. Maybe we could work something early summer or something...
It's so hard to move!!! But we're glad you made it over here to the East Coast. :) If you guys need anything, please let us know. Have Chris email Tyler or something. We'll have to have you all over one night to let the kids play and to catch up. Hope things have gone smoothly on this end of the move and that everything is kinda getting into some structure. Took me about 4 months to feel like I had finally unpacked and had gotten into a routine. Hope all is well! :)
Ugh. You got me crying too! Watching that video made me miss you and your girls! And maybe Chris. But I loved it. Miss you!
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