One week ago: packing up the moving truck!

In preparation for our condo closing on the 11th, we moved in with some friends, Vadim & Hilarie and their four kids, for a few days so that we could pack and clean without our two kids in the way. (Or, more accurately, so Jim could pack & clean.) Vadim & Hilarie were amazingly generous and hospitable and fun!! Gemma absolutely loves being the 5th child in their house, and getting lots of attention - and exposure to all things pink & Barbie, thanks to the girls. (She stayed with them when Timo was born, too.) We're hoping that somehow Gemma will end up with curly hair now that she has spent so much time with them. AND we decided that she will begin Summer Camp this year - we'll send her back to her birth-town so she can stay with them for a week. Being at their house for our last days was the perfect ending to our three years in B-town!

Here's a picture of their family from an earlier time in December: Vadim & Hilarie, and Daelon (the oldest, and the only boy), Alina, Daria and Samara. It was sad to say good-bye...the night before we left, Daelon said (about 5 times), "I think we should drive to your new house for Spring Break to come and visit."

Vadim and Jim were able to pack up the 16' moving truck in only a couple of hours. Quick work on a rainy day.

On the day before the closing, we brought Gemma back to the house to see it empty and to say our good-byes. 

Gemma did a little enthusiastic farewell dance in her old bedroom.

Time to head out! We had our closing on Friday afternoon - what a truly exciting, freeing experience that was!!! - and then woke up early on Saturday morning to drive to Durham. We left at 4:30 AM and arrived in Durham 13 hours later; Jim drove the truck, while Jul & Mom H drove the car. The kids did pretty well in the car. It helped to have nice long breaks at breakfast and lunchtime, and arrive in Durham in time for dinner, just as the sun was setting.