snapshots of the journey

We have now officially been here for a week and the house is calm enough for me to post some pictures of the moving adventure. These are of moving day- the truck came at 10am, we were loaded by about 3 and to Indiana about 730. The kids had a ball while we worked, playing with the Beckers and the Morgans (see the picture below of all the kids!) We were so grateful to have so many people willing to help- it was a LOT of work!
A 35 foot trailer - you would think that would be plenty of room! But trust me, it took a bit of creative thinking (and climbing) to get everything to fit!






The kids sat in the lawn watching them load everything on the truck for a long time. They were quick to notice when the grown-ups took a break- that's when the kids get to run like maniacs in and out of the truck! What fun!









The girls reluctantly said goodbye to the house, the tinkerbell room, and the kitty.

















The Cook family's last picture on Elm St!























When we finally arrived in Indiana, a large crew was waiting for us with casseroles, housewarming gifts, and strong men to unload the truck. It took four hours to load and less than one to empty! They even set up the beds for us!











A new morning tradition- every morning we get up and sit on the front porch to enjoy the country sounds, and say hello to the horse across the street. I drink my coffee, snuggle the children, and listen to the birds sing (rather, every now and then I hear a chirp over the toddler jabbering...how in the world do they have so much to say at 6am?)










This is one of the reasons the kids love it here- there are other children EVERYWHERE! Every day is like a party- they are always meeting some new friend!















One evening we took a break from unpacking to take the kids for a swim!

























This is our front window- yes, it will be impossible to keep it booger free, but is sure is fun for the baby!
















What a GREAT hallway for cars and trucks!








Chalk on the back patio- they are relplacing this patio for us next month, but in the meantime, the kids are making it beautiful!
















Thanks for the flowers Nana!






One of the most fun things for me this week has been putting the finishing touches on the rooms. Of course this means getting out old photos, scrapbooks, gifts, and other things I haven't seen in a long time. I love walking through the house seeing family pictures and gifts from people I love all around me. Though the house itself doesn't feel familiar enough to be home, I am surrounded by the love of family through these little reminders. We are truly blessed.