After nearly 50 hours in the car, 3 sick kids, and 5 stops, we made it to Buckeye, AZ from Groton, CT. Let's just say we have no desire to drive long distances for a long, long time. And, sorry to those families that we passed the cold to along the way. We are very grateful to those who provided beds and home-cooked meals for us so we didn't have to eat at fast food restaurants along the way. Our first stop was at Jeremy's brother Jeff's house in DC. The only pictures I have of the kids are of them in the bathtub--not the best ones to post on a public blog so I omitted those. The kids were able to play with their adorable red-headed cousin, Trinity who is definitely a photographer's daughter. Every time the camera came out she would smile and say, "cheese!" Jeff was a great host and made a cozy fire for us to enjoy after the kids were in bed. A nice relaxing evening following the drama of moving out.
Our second stop was in Atlanta with a long time friend of Jeremy's from LA--Diane Aron. She has a beautiful house and had a wonderful roast waiting for us with all the fixings. She even made a delicious cherry pie and had a warm cozy fire made up for us and the makings for S'mores. The kids instantly fell in love with her. We had a great time and wished we could have spent more time at all the places we stopped. We were also lucky that we barely missed the big storm that blew through the east coast right after we left. I really don't miss the snow. At all.
We spent night #3 in Monroe, LA where Jeremy grew up. We stayed with his brother, Philip and his wife and son. We couldn't believe that Henry was already starting to walk at 9 months. Nora, you're such a slacker. 15 months and not even a step.
We chose to spend an extra day in Red Rock, TX for nights #4 and 5 in order to get some laundry done and just let the kids play and get some energy out. What a bummer that the weather was 36 degrees outside. But we bundled them up and sent them out anyways. Thanks to my brother, Dallin and his wife Lauree for letting us relax at their place and for spreading our germs with them. So sorry!
Night #6 we spent in El Paso, TX with Jeremy's sister Tammy. We were so lucky that we had friends and relatives willing to put us up spaced out perfectly along the way. Matthew loved Bralen and I caught him walking around the house with their arms around each other. It's a good thing Bralen is so nice and let Matthew be his shadow.
Night #7 we were able to spend in our new house in Buckeye using our air mattress and groceries Jeremy's dad had bought for us prior to our arrival. We were so grateful to be out of the car and to arrive in 70 degree weather. Ahhh, no snow! You can't shovel sunshine! Maybe I'll be singing a different song come June, but I doubt it. I've always preferred the heat to cold. Don't worry--more pics of the house to come soon.
When unpacking, it is a definite must to keep a few large boxes around for the kids to use their imaginations. I think we had a castle and a rocketship for awhile. 
Here's what the house looks like now. We still are badly in need of a fresh coat of paint which I'm not brave enough to do until Jeremy gets back. This is a light fixture that Jeremy installed over the dining room table.
This is the kitchen now. We installed the hardward to make the drawers and cabinets more user friendly. We still need to finish the backsplash, put on the crown molding, and add the molding around the fridge and freezer.
Here's a closer look at the pop-up outlets that Jeremy put in the island. I love these! I have decided not to call it an island any more. It is way to large to be an island. It is my kitchen continent!
I put a little bow clip on the side and she loves it. Simple and easy. Now hopefully she'll kick the habit before her hair grows out.
Our second stop was in Atlanta with a long time friend of Jeremy's from LA--Diane Aron. She has a beautiful house and had a wonderful roast waiting for us with all the fixings. She even made a delicious cherry pie and had a warm cozy fire made up for us and the makings for S'mores. The kids instantly fell in love with her. We had a great time and wished we could have spent more time at all the places we stopped. We were also lucky that we barely missed the big storm that blew through the east coast right after we left. I really don't miss the snow. At all.
Night #6 we spent in El Paso, TX with Jeremy's sister Tammy. We were so lucky that we had friends and relatives willing to put us up spaced out perfectly along the way. Matthew loved Bralen and I caught him walking around the house with their arms around each other. It's a good thing Bralen is so nice and let Matthew be his shadow.
