Getting Settled

Well, I wish I had some way to post pictures, but we are still in transition here in Tucson. We are currently renting a home for a month while we wait to close on our new house and all of our stuff will be in storage until we move into the new house so we don't have to move twice. So we have been "camping out" at the rental with the things we brought on the plane and the owners of the rental generously let us keep the kitchen table and a few blow up mattresses. I think by the time this month is over we will be SO HAPPY to see our stuff. Just imagine, no furniture, no TV, and no carpet (with a baby this one is rough, no where to set him down). The rental is also 20 minutes from where the kids are attending school (where the new house is) and I'm driving there three times a day drop off/pick up kids from school (Jason is in 1/2 day kinder). I'm sure this is one of those things you look back on with fond memories, right?

We found a great little town called Vail outside of Tucson to buy a home. It has a pool and fun backyard and a great kitchen! We took the kids to visit the house a few days ago and that night I could hear Mandy and Ashley talking at night saying, "wow, we are going to have a pool, we must be so rich!" I don't think they realize that about 1/3 of the people in Tucson have a pool in their yard. I thought it was cute.

The kids started school at Ocotillo Ridge Elementary school yesterday and for the most part had a good day. Vail schools are on a year round calendar so they have been in school since July 20th. The kids are a little behind, but I'm sure they'll catch up fast. Jason is in KINDERGARTEN! He has a great teacher that has really made him feel welcome and loved. The kids all made a few new friends and I've seen so many children come up to them and introduce themselves to the kids and ask them to play. So people here are very friendly and they are making an effort to make the "new kids" feel welcomed.

We are missing our Illinois friends! We have all had tears now and then but seem to be slowly adjusting. Ashley had a particularly hard day yesterday and just wanted to go home. Moving is very difficult on children, I don't care what the experts say about how children just "bounce back." This is definately a process. My parents have made the transition easier and more exciting (we got to see them again yesterday), so that helps.

Our new house is set up for visitors, so after we move in we expect visitors from Family and Friends. Especially in the winter when it is so nice here and so HORRIBLE in Illinois! We will be ready and waiting.