moving on out...

over the last several weeks our lives have been in chaos, and over the last week we have looked around and wondered if we have made any progress packing at all.  we have, but are still not done.  today, was an anticlimactic day...we officially signed our house away.  we went to the title company today, have the movers coming to take all our big stuff into storage on Wednesday, and hand over the keys to our first home together on Friday.  since it's been hard to get much done during the week (because of work and life), we have relied on the weekends to do most of the packing.  thankfully we have been blessed to have wonderful family and friends who have taken Will and Isa on the weekends so that we can get all this done.  however, we are ready to focus back on family.  the kids have been such troopers with all the disruption, loss of toys, and moving around.  we can't wait to put stability and routine back in their lives. 

so where are we going you ask...
as many of you know, we have had our home unofficially listed for sale for the last 2 years.  last fall, we were asked if we had any interest in buying a home from a family member.  we did, and we love it!  Uncle Joe and Aunt Maureen had this home custom built in 1997, and now we will be moving in to set our roots there.  It is so special to us that the home is being kept in the family.  we know how much they have loved it, maintained it, and cared for it.  we can't wait to make our own memories there and love it just as much.  this will be the home that our children will be raised in.  you can't imagine how special this is to us. 
here it is...

it's a 4 bedroom 2.5 bath colonial on .52 acres.  it couldn't be more perfect for us, and as of May 28th, we will call it HOME.   farewell Barton Rd, you will be missed... hello White Pine we look forward to the memories. 

strong girl

although she tipped over after about 1 minute... it was so neat to see her head up so high!

big brother Will cheering her on...

Will's tree

Over the last few weeks, amidst all the packing, we have found ourselves stopping, looking around and reminiscing about all the little special things this home has. One of those things is a special Weeping Cherry that was planted for Will.  I always wanted one, and when we came home from a Florida trip in April 2007, there it was, as a surprise.  Will's tree.  I wish we could take it with us, but since we can't, I took a picture of Will in front of it.... it's so sweet to see the picture of the tree's first spring with us, and it's last. 

things kids say

Today Will said he didn't want to grow up.  When I asked why... this was creative response:

"Because if I grow up, then I will grow big, to the ceiling, and then I will bonk my head and the ceiling will break"

zoo time

today we took a trip to the zoo with Gramma and Great-Grandma Thomas.  Everyone had a great time, and the weather was perfect.  Grandma Thomas kept exclaiming how everything was SO beautiful.  We were so glad to make her happy and make a fun day of it! 

we also saw a BABY Koala (so cute!)

stopping for a tasty treat =)

Gramma Wendy and Great Grandma Thomas

Easter day

We hope everyone is enjoying the wonderful weather and having a great Easter Sunday!

Will finds his basket behind the toy box!

Isa and Will help with Gabi's basket! such good helpers.

 Isa finds her basket!

Bill and Will =) twins?

The festivities to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord began today with Holy Saturday dinner at Gramma and Bapa's.  We had a fantastic dinner and colored eggs... followed by a the natural sugar high from all the chocolates and candy!
The kids have already started celebrating with deliveries from special people who brought over what the Easter Bunny left at their homes =)  They are lucky to be loved by many!  So far, the Easter bunny has brought treats from FL, NM, North Olmstead, and N. Ridgeville. His official stop at our home tomorrow morning is anticipated followed by Easter mass with the whole family.  We can't wait!

May everyone have a Blessed 
and Happy Easter!

enjoying the sun

we finally had a break from the cold with beautiful weather the past 2 days.  The kids spent the afternoon (while at playgroup) outside riding bikes, playing with the water table, and soaking in the sun!  In the early evening we went to our backyard, lit a fire and enjoyed more time outside.  We look forward to more great days like today, and enjoying our final month in this home.  =)

bittersweet

This morning we accepted an offer on our home (YEAH in this market).  Although we didn't brake even on this home, we are hoping the gain on the moving end will someday make up for it.  We are happy though, because there are SO many homes for sale in this area and it also finally puts an end to our decision to move (we emotionally have been moved out of this house for 2 years!).  At the same time... we LOVE this home.  There are so many things we are going to miss about it.  It was OUR first home, we made it ours.  The pond, the colors, the peaceful backyard, the improvements that Tobin and I shared so many hours and precious memories on.  Along the way, almost every member of our extended family has come out to help us with bits and pieces to make this house what it is.  That is why this is bittersweet. 

However, we need more space.  It would be nice to have a playroom, I really need a room for my embroidery business, and we want to be in a neighborhood with kids.  So the packing begins, and we look forward to making new memories in our new home soon!