Another Full Day

Well we have been here 3 full days and have worked hard at getting settled so decided to take a "tourist" day. We took the boys DOWNTOWN Atlanta today. We went to the BIGGEST Aquarium in the WORLD. The Georgia Aquarium has the biggest tanks. It holds 4 whale sharks. It was impressive and educational. Our favorite creatures were the Beluga Whales and the Australian Weedy Sea Dragons. We also got to pet a Sting Ray and a small shark.
We ate lunch at the Sun Dial, a restaurant that slowly turns atop the 72nd story of the Westin Hotel. It was a gorgeous view in all directions.
We then toured the CNN station. It was neat, but the boys said they knew it all from our local KSBY TV station field trip.
The final stop of our City Tour was the World of Coca Cola. At the beginning of our tour the tour guide asked if there was anyone from another country. Across the room a small splinted hand goes up and I realize it is OUR JOSIAH. She asks him, "Where are you from?" He says, "California." And the guide says, "Well, Yes, California IS out of this World." It was a funny and humbling moment for this "homeschool" mom. But to his credit he thought she said who is from out of this state....Our tour then included a 4D film and sampling 64 flavors of Coca Cola products. Josiah is crazy! He thought he HAD to try ALL 64 drinks. So of course, an hour later he is belly aching. He said, "Well, I guess 64 drinks can wreak havoc on someone's stomach." Live and learn.
Tomorrow we plan on getting ready for our things to arrive Thursday morning.

We're HEEERE!

We landed yesterday after a long day. The red eye flight was packed but smooth. We all slept some but were dragging all day. We got to our new house in Marietta and napped some. The boys all fell asleep on the floor in their new rooms. The weather is bearable, hot, sticky and muggy. Thank God for air conditioning. We ran some errands to stock the house. After a Costco and Walmart run our credit cards thought they had been stolen and refused to work. So we had some trouble trying to check out of Walmart. But after an
hour later we got going again. Jayson, the Walmart Assistant Manager, was so nice he was willing to buy our stuff for us and have us come back later when it got worked out. Luckily it finally worked out and we got on our way. That is an example of Southern Hospitality.
Today we have some more errands, a trip to the YMCA to check it out, and some phone calls and meetings all planned for us. We are hoping to find "friends" for the boys soon. We are all missing our California family and friends.

Pack and Load!!!

Well today is our last day with STUFF!! Tomorrow the packers come and Friday the loaders load. Should be a whirl wind of boxes and people. Things are stacked everywhere in disarray. It will be nice to have things sorted in boxes and then moved out.
We hope to leave the house tidy for Mom and Dad and the guests they are going to have while we are away. You all need to come see them....they have PLENTY of room. Dad is a great cook and Mom loves to iron.
We will post new blogs from the road, the plane, the motel, or our new house. Watch for us. We are missing California already.

A Happy and Sad Father's Day

We had a nice day today celebrating Dads...Lots of tri-tip, ribs, and sausage. Add that to mash potatoes, gravy and corn on the cob and all the "men" around here are on cloud nine. We played some four square, threw hatchets, played croquet, and enjoyed the sunshine and the pool. It was nice being with Family.

Melanie and Zach came over with baby Eli and we got to play with him, such a funny little guy. Melanie is taking donations for a March for Life cancer rally and we purchased a memory luminary in memory of our Poppa Close. It felt fitting to honor him in that way on Father's Day. He is so missed, today and everyday. We all wrote on the paper luminary our love for him and it will hold a candle and shine around the track as the "Marchers" walk in dedication to help end cancer. That will be a good day. So Father's Day ends honoring the men we love and appreciate.

Joel's Early 17th Bday at Boomers

Joel and His Buddies at Boomers....Savannah, Lexi, Ike, Cody, Leah, Joel, Tyler, Seth, Ty E. and Chip

Joel and 10 of his friends spent Friday afternoon and evening zooming around the go-kart race track at Boomers. They played several rounds of golf, got wet in the bumper boats, climbed a wall and played some arcade games....FUN FUN FUN!

We enjoyed pizza, soda, and cupcakes together as we sang to Joel! All the kids were taxied home by midnight and FUN and MEMORIES were made by all. Thanks everyone for making Joel's day special.

One Week Left

We have ONE week left to get things organized for the packers arrival on the 25th. We have made great progress and the boys are getting lots of friend time. We are celebrating Joel's 17th Bday early on Friday so he can see his friends one last time. Should be a full day.

Last Day of School and Last Minute Appointments

Yesterday we had our LAST meeting with our high school advisor for Joel and Ike's School. The boys got great grades and did a fine job. Barbara was the BEST...so patient, kind and flexible. She will be missed.
Yesterday and Today are full of doctors appointments.....Cleaning teeth, new retainers, caste for Josiah's finger, etc....Glad to get that done.
Reality is settling in, this is going to happen. Blessed that Gary is so helpful and the boys are being as positive as they can be.
"Lord help me to stay positive and calm. Keep us in Your hands as we go so far from those we love so much. AMEN"

First day of REAL packing

Got off to a good start with packing. Bonnie and Mom helped make a plan of action with labels and color coding so the packing and unpacking goes smooth. We will see...Sorted and labeled books, office, game cupboard, and linen closet.
Trying to not get overwhelmed.....God is in control!!

Another Farewell

About 65 loving friends came over today to send us off with kind words and some treasured memory sharing. It was great seeing old friends and new ones. You all will be missed but we will get together again in 18 months.

Family Farewell

We had family over today to say farewell. Lots of food, Lots of laughs, and Lots of love....We will miss these times.....

"Lord Please protect our family and keep them all safe and healthy, AMEN"

Off to Georgia

Yosemite Falls ...June 2009

We have 14 days left in California before our family moves East to Marietta, Georgia. Follow us as we venture south-east and explore the South. Should be a mighty fine time!!! Come visit our Blog often to get a glimpse of where we have been and what we are doing. We will miss you all while we are gone. We will be home in 18 months!!! I am sure it will go fast.