Dano, Melissa, Kennedy, Ethan, Erin, Abigail, and Emily

Dano, Melissa, Kennedy, Ethan, Erin, Abigail, and Emily

31 May 2011

A Whirlwind Month – Part 2

I don’t know if it was all the work I did ;) , the good feeling our house emits, or just bounteous blessings, but after eight days we were signing a contract on our house! We were very surprised and feel so very, very blessed. We were planning on coming back in the summer and spending a good part of July in Ohio sorting, packing, swimming, and playing with friends. Dano and I immediately began trying to figure out how in the world to make it work…to get out of the house.We decided to cancel our spring break to South Africa and take the entire family back to Ohio instead.

We had our stopover in Dubai, where we enjoyed a wonderful stake conference for our church, then flew out of Dubai on Saturday, April 16. We arrived home late that night. Everyone was sooo happy to be in our home. We didn’t really talk about it being the last time. I think we knew what we were there to do. Unfortunately there was no swimming, but there was basketball, football, kite flying, taco salad, biscuits and gravy, taking in the view out the windows, playing on the playset, running in the rain, kids’ slumber parties in the guest room, lunchtime visits with friends at school, and cleaning. Oh, the joy of cleaning. I think that’s why there was so much of the former…to avoid the cleaning…and the sorting…


In three short days we were able to get it all done (including a trip out to Amish country) and we were (mostly) ready for the packers on Thursday. They packed our overseas shipment on Thursday and Friday. As we had decided to have our own mattresses with us, they were packed and we were left bed-less. We were offered to stay at the Greif homestead, Marycrest Farms.
We had not been able to stay there previously so were very excited to spend the Easter weekend there. I could write an entirely separate blog on the history of this remarkable place. It has such an ambiance that embraces you from the moment you drive through the gates.
It truly felt like another home for us.

The kids enjoyed running down the hills and climbing the trees. It made our two acres seem small and confining. The children were pleased to find a piano in the family room and quickly put it to good use.

They were happy the Easter Bunny found us at Marycrest. He had not been able to find us in Jordan last year.


It was a beautiful Easter day and we were glad to enjoy ham (perfect timing for that!) with our good friends the Porters.

I think this spontaneous trip to Ohio was just what our children needed. They had a great time enjoying friends
(Thanks to the Carters for hosting everyone!)
and
many of the things I wrote about before.

We surely love Ohio and look forward to moving back there…..someday.

4 comments:

Angela Dougherty said...

I am desperately trying to figure out a way to be able to catch up with you guys in Denver, it would be such a shame to miss you by just a few days!!

What a blessing that your home sold so quickly! It looks like your family has enjoyed being back in the states. The states sure miss you guys!! ;)

Effie said...

Wow, that is so amazing that things moved so well with your home. Congratulations!

Jen said...

What great pictures! I'm so happy that you were able to spend time together as a family in your Ohio home one last time.

Okay--change of subject. Consider this the start of my official write in campaign to get the banner of your blog changed to include Emily's name. E-m-i-l-y, E-m-i-l-y, E-m-i-l-y! Some one has to stand up for the rights of the underrepresented!

Michael said...

I'm cheering for you Emily! We little cousins have to stick together. Even if you're not in the official family picture, shouldn't your name be included in the list of family members? E-m-i-l-y, E-m-i-l-y, E-m-i-l-y!