Sweet Survival

Here we are. We are not lost.

It feels good to be back writing a post for my blog after so long. I've missed it. So, the reason for so much silence this summer:

Our New Home

We've been looking for a new house since Ethan was born, wanting to stay in our area, near our wonderful community of friends and neighbors and close to our excellent school. While James' parents were visiting for Ethan's birth they offered to buy our house and move over from Ireland. We were thrilled to have them in Seattle and wanted the new house to be near them too. In June I saw this large craftsman-style house under construction three blocks from our old house and the excitement started. We spent the better part of July negotiating the sale and packing, and then finally moved in mid-August.

Ethan helping with the laundry in our new house

With Ethan's presence being so new, and anticipating the start of a new school year with Caitlin starting Kindergarten and Ashley entering second grade, I wanted to be as settled as possible before September. James and I have nearly all our boxes unpacked (only his office left as he's in thinking and planning mode at the moment) and we've even hung our favorite pieces of art. We still have some furniture to buy but already it feels like we've been here longer than the two months it really is.

School is in full swing again. September has been survived and also, surprisingly enough, enjoyed in many parts. The start of the year is always been rough as the girls adjust to a new school year and build up their tolerance to exhausting long days. With Caitlin starting Kindergarten, the shift to full days was challenging but she did really well. She's practically an old pro now, having two years of experience watching Ashley navigate elementary school.

Caitlin and Ashley on the First Day of School 2009

James and Ethan returnng from drop off on the first day of school

An so October is here and we anticipate Grandma and Granddad arriving from Ireland, hopefully soon. The departure date from Ireland continually shifts as they handle the sale of their house in Dublin and brave the immigration process as Ian endeavours to get his green card sorted out. Being married 40+ years to an American citizen doesn't make the process go any quicker unfortunately.

The holiday season is ramping up here in the States. Halloween this month (oh, how I miss bonfires), Thanksgiving next month (and we have much to be thankful for this year) and then Christmas in December. We sure hope Ian and Janet can join us for some of the fun to come.

It feels good to move from surviving to celebrating. And it's great to be back.