July 31, 2007

OFF TO CALIFORNIA - SAYING GOODBYE

Well, yesterday was a hard day for me. As many of you know, I have recently retired from the Navy and my family will be settling in Northern California - a town called Oroville which is 30 minutes outside of Chico. Anways, my husband has actually been out there since the day after Christmas because that is when his new job wanted him and also to supervise the clearing of our land and the building of our house. Needless to say, it has been a difficult eight months with me here in Florida taking care of the three kids, three dogs, and getting the house ready sell. Oh yeah, and retiring, my son graduating, well you get the point. Our original plan was for us to join Tony in CA at the end of June BUT the house has experienced some delays (not to mention my house here has not sold yet) so we have been here. The house will not be ready until the end of September, however my kids start school out there on the 6th of August so I packed all of their belongings and put them on a plane to be with their dad (who is staying with his parents who live nearby). All I can say is thank goodness for in-laws because I don't think we could have pulled this off without them. So, it was with a heavy heart that I put my kids on their very first solo plane ride (they have flown many times with us) and I will not see them again until the end of September. Here are a few of the pictures that I took of them at the airport. The airport personnel took pity on this poor emotional mom and actually let me follow them out the security gate and watch them board the plane! How nice was that??!!! I miss them already but I have no excuses not to get crackin' on clearing out closests and such in anticipation of the movers. We have moved every two to three years for the last 23 so I am glad this will be the last - at least for a long while. I am ready for us to be a family again - my several months in Iraq added to the separation now has turned into a very long time apart from my man whom I love and miss very much! Kayla and Tyler held up pretty well at the airport, only tearing up a little bit as they walked out to the plane. I think it was much harder on me than them - LOL! I have talked to them both and they are doing well and are now seasoned travelers! They are enjoying seeing their dad again and their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I will join them all soon and we can all be together again! I hope to have something stamped for you tomorrow but for now, this is what I have to share!

7 comments:

Heather P. said...

Aww, I'm sure that was really tough on you! :( I'm glad to hear that they reached their destination safely! My mom was in the Air Force for 24 years, so I can relate to having to pick up and go... (We were fortunate to not have to do it every 3 years, though.)

September will be here before you know it! :)

BarbK said...

Aaawww, Alex, I had tears in my eyes reading your post. It's so sad to be sending them off, but exciting at the same time that you will soon all be together again. You certainly have an adventurous life and I bet you're looking forward to some calmness in the near future. {{{Hugs}}} to you.

Mandie Mimulus said...

Alex,
I hope the time passes quickly for you. Just keep thinking about the wonderful memories you will create in your new home to fill those scrapbook pages. I will keep you in my thoughts... take care.
Marie

Michele Kovack said...

WOW! What an incredibly hard thing to do! I admire you! What great kids you have there!

Vicki said...

Wow, they let you walk the kids to the plane. Cool pictures you got. I know you miss them, I hope the time goes fast for you. I love the look on Tyler's face, like ahh mom, do you have to take another picture, lol.

Pam Speidel said...

Oh my Alexandra...I feel for you. Thank goodness it is only temporary and you have SO much to look forward to when you see them again! Keep smiling! Pam :)

Anonymous said...

I can hardly imagine how difficult it is being in your position! But at the same time, you're all doing what you've determined to be the best thing for your family. Here's hoping that you'll find great peace in that knowledge. Hang in there!

~Tex