Get your motor running. . . head out on the highway. . .

Well, we did it. We made it through the week. Getting ready not only for our move, but for our trip to LA to visit Grammy and Grampy. Since when we return as a family, we will be moved into our new home, when we left the house on Tuesday, we had a little farewell party for the house. Gordon had the great idea of taking some pictures of the kids on the porch, and they were surprisingly cooperative.

Ready for an adventure!

And here is daddy, with all the precious little people that were acquired while living under this wonderful roof.

We gave daddy one last kiss, gave the house one last squeeze, and drove off into the sunrise. I wish I could say that it was with dry eyes and smiles, but when there were some tears from one of my children in the back, as he realized that this was "the last time" then I may have needed a tissue. Maybe. :) "Bittersweet" is a very real thing.

But our sniffles didn't last long. We turned on some fun music and headed out for Redding, CA. That night we camped with my dear childhood friend Jenn. She and her family were kind enough to open their home to us again, and the kids had such fun playing with Tony and Megean. We hardly heard a peep from them the whole evening, they were so busy playing!

Here are Jenn and I. It's so nice to have friends that don't change one bit with the hands of time. Some people you just know will always be there for you, and she is one.

The next morning we continued our Journey to Folsom, CA. There, we landed at my dearest friend Nicole's house. Nicole and I met when Gordon and I were dating. I never would have guessed at the time that she would be the best friend I can always count on, but that is who she is! We stayed two nights with them, and the kids played, swam, watched movies, and generally romped around making a mess of their home. I wish I had more pictures than this, but we were too busy making memories to spend the time capturing them.

And then finally, Friday afternoon, we landed safely at Grammys. So glad to be out of the car, and so glad to be here! The kids are exhausted, well entertained, and having a wonderful time swimming, looking for the wild bunnies that are in the yard, catching lizards, playing trains, and generally wearing themselves out. Let the vacation begin!

happiness is

forgetting about packing for 10 minutes and posting a cute picture on my blog. . .

more to follow when I have time! (any guesses on when that may be?)

It begins. . .

Yesterday, we. . .

So after dinner, then we really needed to. . .

Let the madness begin. . .

PS - PLEASE READ!!!

I have been feeling a steady nagging lately that it is time to make this blog private. I hate to do it. Because I know you won't check it as much. . . but I think it's time. The kids are getting older, it's time.

But you can still have me. Even if you've never told me you read my blog before. I'll let you in. All you have to do is leave me your email address in a comment and I will invite you. Or, email me at rachel.e.wilde@gmail.com and I will put you on the list. I will wait a week or two and then make the change.

Thanks! And sorry (Keren)! I know it's a pain!

Movin' Right Along. . .

Are you singing the Muppets song? I hope so.

Announcement!!! Our house is under contract (again), and everything seems to be moving along smoothly with this buyer. We are set to close on August 23rd, or hopefully a few days before. This puts a bit of stress on our vacationing plans, but we are trying to work it out!

We will probably be moving the weekend of the August 20th. And since our dream home isn't on the market currently, we've decided to take our time and rent a home for a little while so we'll be ready to pounce when it does appear.

Hurray for the beginning of the end of this adventure!

It is of course filled with bitter sweet feelings for our home, our neighborhood, our neighbors, ward, and friends here. Both Gordon and I find ourselves waxing sentimental occasionally, and other times not so much as we dive into the "get er' done" mode that is necessary.

Just wanted to let you know! The kids finally know everything and are excited to go check out their new house in a few weeks! If anybody wants to have a packing or cleaning party, let me know!

the mask of zoro

My freshman year of college, I lived with a gal who liked to stay up later than me studying (and talking with her boyfriend :) I quickly discovered this lovely little black mask and slept peacefully all semester. And, everyone on my floor called me "Zoro!" by the end of the year.

With the late night light here in the Pacific NW I recently shared my magical mask with my son Aidan. And now, there's a new Zoro in town!

waiting for daddy. . .

. . . is a daily event.

We're so glad when daddy comes home!

a fever headache

I thought Chandler was just being a silly billy the other day when he plopped himself on the couch with a cold compress on his head. "What cha doin?" "Oh, sometimes I just have a headache when I get a fever. . ."

And true to his word, the next morning he had a fever. And strep throat! Luckily we caught it quick and he's on the mend now. He was right! The fever was on it's way!