Boxes, Boxes and More Boxes

So, I guess we are really moving to China. The packers are here today, reducing my life to boxes. And, tomorrow I get to watch them load it onto a container, where it will stay for the next couple of months. I joked with the nice women doing all the wrapping and packing that the next time I'll use my china I'll be in China. Lame, I know, but I'm committed to staying positive about this. We are so lucky to have the opportunity to experience a whole new world. I am hit with bouts of nerve wracking fear, but in my heart of hearts I know this is right.

Thankfully, the girls aren't around to witness their personal treasures being wrapped up. My gosh, if they were, the poor ladies would never get things done. They are spending some time down at Mimi and Papa's. I drove them to Columbia after Katie's Girls' Golf beach party. The party was at Keowee Key. Mrs. D (in the picture with Katie to the right) has invited Katie to play 9 holes next Tuesday, just the two of them. She was beaming! I'll go get her next Monday as that is when the big tournament is. The twins will stay down for another week. We met my parents at the mall, loaded up their car (with our Wii for safe keeping while we're abroad) and headed back to our respective homes. My dad bought some second hand bikes and is going to teach the girls how to ride them. I'm anxious to hear how that goes. Larry and I have promised we'd buy them bikes over in China as EVERYONE rides bikes.

Everything is rolling along, a little faster than my liking, but I think we're all just ready to get over there. The girls will start school ten days after we arrive. Larry will be working in Dailan, which is about 900 miles away for the first few months, and I'll be settling in, hopefully...

Wrapping Things Up...Literally

Where did the first half of July go? I seemed to have misplaced it. Suddenly, we are down to three weeks before we leave. THREE WEEKS!!!! There's so much left to do, so many people to see, places to visit one last time, and packing...oh, my...the packing. Every room in the house has at least one box in it. Our good friend, Charlie, bought Larry's tractor. It was a bittersweer moment as he watched Charlie drive off with it. We have sold many pieces of our furniture, including our kitchen table, t.v., couch, Katie's bedroom set and the washer and dryer. All have either been picked up or will be picked up before next Wednesday as that is the day the movers arrive. NEXT WEDNESDAY!!!!

In between the packing and errands, we have been visiting our favorite spots. My first day unemployed we rented a pontoon and went out on Lake Keowee. The girls had a blast fishing, swimming and even driving the boat. I was so relaxed...which is a feat for me. It was just what we all needed. I was even able to overcome a HUGE fear and get in the water with the girls. I cannot stand swimming in lakes for fear of slimy things touching my feet...eels in particular. Oceans and pools are fine, but lakes..not so much.

We also went to the park over by Shaver Recreation Center. The girls love going there and manage to make new friends each time. I don't foresee them having any trouble at all adapting to their new school and surroundings.

One of Larry's and my favorite spots is Portman Marina; more specifically The Galley restaurant. Pre children we went there for our anniversary just about every year. The girls told us they wanted to go to a "romantic restaurant", not sure why they wanted romance, but we both thought of the Galley. It was a nice evening...not much romance but it was the thought that counted.

I don't think we'll get to every favorite spot before we leave, but we'll give it our best effort. I also don't know if we'll get to visit friends, but know that we hold each and every one of you dear to our hearts.