Preparation and Goodbyes

So, this is the very first post of this blog. I decided to start this blog to chronicle our family's grand adventure that we are embarking on. If you are not aware, we are relocating from Texas to Napa, California. Excited doesn't begin to describe what we are feeling. This is not the first time we have wanted to make the move out to the West Coast. We almost moved to San Diego in 2002 but didn't do it due to our engagement(we decided to use our money that we had saved on our wedding instead). A dream that didn't materialize, it really seemed that it we wouldn't get the chance again as our roots have grown deeper in Texas. So, when this opportunity came up for Luke's career, my answer was Yes!

These past few months have been a whirlwind of selling our house, selling my business, finding a house in Napa, and preparing our belongings here to get ready for the move. All of this has been done with Luke traveling 50-75% of the time. Oh, and also with keeping up with the kids' crazy spring activity schedule.  And, I must say, I think we have managed this process pretty well. Has is been easy? No. Have I handled it with a smile the whole time? um...not at all. I am a pretty strong, positive person, who is very organized and a fantastic taskmaster. And even I caved and felt defeated to the process on MANY occasions. It was impossible to think about the big picture during these months without feeling incredibly overwhelmed and huge amounts of anxiety that would wash over me. But, when that happened, I was would take a breath(and maybe drink a glass of wine), and force myself to just focus on the next most important task.

So, here we are. This is the week that the packers and movers come. This is the week that we've been working towards for the past few months. What used to seem so far off is HERE! The last few weeks have been full of goodbyes and closure. Going away parties for us and the kids. Final Dr appts for all, final lessons for the kids(piano, dance, baseball, etc). Squeezing in every moment possible with our family and friends. It seems like we're saying goodbye wherever we turn.  I have been making a big effort to get Dylan and Paige together with friends as much as possible. My heart really hurts for them as they say goodbye to their friends(especially for Dylan who hates goodbyes on just a regular day - this is torture for him). 

But the flip side is that we are all about to experience a new part of the country together - as a family.  And that anticipation and excitement outweighs the rest of it. Let's Do This!