I doubted such things existed. But there he was at the back door, brimming with excitement. Finally, all that clover, which we think of as a lawn menace, makes good. Thomas was really pleased with himself, and we had fun with it.As we plan the details of our move, moments like that aren't simply and straightforwardly delightful. I realize how much Atlanta has become 'home', even for a native Southern Californian who almost melts away in the heat and humidity. The children were all born here and have made their first friends here. Thomas has a best friend in pre-K he'll miss, and he's still set on marrying his 'girlfriend'. (A couple of days ago we had a conversation about what 'engaged'--to be married--meant. When I explained, Thomas said, "so it's like when I ask Ellie to marry me and she says yes." Pretty much.) Anna misses school every break, and even Iain has his friends in the toddler group at preschool.
We do have a date: 24 May 2009 is our departure date. We have a moving company and will have a ship date within the next couple of days. We have rented a house in Durham. We have a renter for our house, committed to two years. Classes at Candler/Emory finish this Friday, and graduation is May 11. The kids' last day of school is May 22, and things for them are winding down. We have numerous going-away events planned, for us and for the kids. And yet, it is difficult to imagine leaving and making a home somewhere else.
Of course the last several weeks have been busy, and the next several weeks promised to be equally so. I will try to get some pictures up soon, so don't give up! In June we plan to take a trip to the Lake District! There will be photos, I promise! In the meantime, we are anxious for the prayers of all our praying friends, and grateful for all the good wishes sent our way.
