Moving Day

 This morning I woke up early, got everyone dressed, tore apart the beds, and shoved the last few odds and ends into boxes before the movers arrived. This whole weekend was a whirlwind of birthdays and events and things to do. I managed to get the kitchen packed up late last night after we got home from sharing dinner with our friends one last time. While we were there I watched our kids play together in the backyard and choked back the tears brimming in my eyes. In just a few short days everything would be different.

The kiddos spent their morning raking leaves in the backyard and their afternoon glued to Paw Patrol on the iPad. They were so well behaved and made me proud. Two big men loaded up our life into the back of a blue moving truck in just under four hours and promised an early morning delivery the next day. I loaded my hungry kids in the car, stuffed the bedding, pillows, teddybears, and important things around them and tossed them a few snacks for the road.

I turned on a favorite movie to settle them in and then walked back into the house one last time. I had done so good all day being very business like and not crying. As soon as I stepped through the door into our dining room I could feel the tears pricking my eyes. I stood at the front entry way and looked over the empty sitting room and floods of memories came to me. 

As I walked up the stairs to the bedrooms I started sobbing, realizing this would be the very last time I walk through this house. I soaked in the beloved nursery one last time. I peeked into Camilla's empty room where the walls were once filled with random artwork taped up where she pleased above her bed. So many nights I spent awake in those rooms as the street lights poured through the windows. I wiped away the tears as I locked the door and then joined the children in the van. 

Our first stop was to say good-bye to Clara and Jessica. The kids rushed through their front door and hugged Jessica's baby bump as they excitedly told her about our big move. Then they happily ran in and played with Clara while Jessica and I embraced in the entry way, the very same entry way we hugged and cried together after I found out we lost our baby. It is super hard to say good-bye to someone so near and dear. We've shared so much together! They waited at the front door and waved us off when it was time to leave. We made our way over to Daddy's office for hugs before we left and got out of the city before rush hour. 

Three hours later we arrived in our new little town in the dark of night. We grabbed a late dinner and had a picnic on the floor of our new home as the kids ran around oo-ing and ah-ing at everything. Then it was time for jammies and bed. Camilla put out blankets in front of the fireplace and once everyone was cozied in I dimmed the lights and turned it on. They watched the glow as they fell asleep and then I joined them. There is nothing more fun than camping out (at least that's what the kids thought). Our stuff arrives tomorrow and I can't wait to put everything in it's place.