All settled in... Kind of

Well, the kids finished up 5th, 6th, and 8th grade and we headed south two days later.

But first, Corban's sweet friend, Aidan, threw a surprise going away/birthday party for him. It meant the world to him (and me!)

Jared snapped this picture with his phone as we crossed into North Carolina. We're home!

 My parents followed a few days later to help us finish unpacking. It was fun to finally have a chance to show them around our home and new town. And it sure made the kids (and Katy) happy!

While my parents were here Mike and I tried to get our driver's licenses. Well, at 8:30 a.m. there was already a 3-hour wait. We did not join in. Instead, I found out online that I could make an appointment - for 6 weeks out!

We needed a break from unpacking and cleaning, so we took visited the North Carolina Museum of Art. The park and trails on their grounds is a great place to explore!

Our neighbor knew we were moving in and came over to drop off some fruit. How'd she know strawberries are Mike's favorite and peaches are mine?!

 Mom and Dad were here to help celebrate Corban's birthday. Of course, he wanted to head over to Grandson's Buffet. Unlimited Southern cooking - what more could a new 15-year-old want?!

A new drum for our drummer! He's so handsome! And now nearly as big as Mike. What?!

Along with unpacking, we've been tackling little projects around the house. I just had to change our the door pulls in the kitchen. It made such a big difference! All these little things are making this house feel more like home.

 

Mornings and evenings are perfect times to take a walk on the trails that lead from our neighborhood to Bass Lake. We definitely spend more time outside here!

Before we bought the house in February, we had already signed the kids up to go on trips with our church this summer. Mike had to run Corban up to Ohio to leave for the high school trip and Sydney had an orthodontist appointment, so Jared and I spent a long weekend in North Carolina together. We visited our town's farmer's market, went to a nearby town's pig fest, and finally got to see a movie at the dine-in theater in town. We loved watching Incredibles 2! But by Monday we were really ready to have our people back.

The next week we all headed back up to Ohio to pick up Corban and drop Sydney and Jared off for their trip. Really, I'm not sure I knew whether I was coming or going that week!

We got to be tourists in our own (previous) town! That was... weird. And cold. And mostly gloomy. When the sun finally came out, you could find us at the campground pool (our camper is living in Ohio this summer). Can you tell Sydney is trying to smile through shivers? LOL

 When Sydney and Jared were gone Corban, Mike and I stayed in Ohio to finish up some things and wrap up doctor's appointments. Corban and I dropped in to see my grandparents and take them their favorite Frosties.

 Poor Corban had to have 4 wisdom teeth extracted. He doesn't remember this, but he grabbed my hand in recovery. He was not a snuggly baby and rarely even would grasp your finger or want held for long when he was little, so you can bet I soaked this moment up!

 After we got back home (to North Carolina, in case you're as confused as I was - ha!) we unpacked the last few boxes inside the house (we still have some organizing to do in the garage) and Jared made great use of a giant box, hiding from Katy and surprising her.

 We explored all over our area for the 4th of July. We started in Apex and once again watched the Parade of Bikes. Then we went into Raleigh and visited the capitol building. We just missed the swearing in of new citizens, but there were all sorts of fun activities still going on.

As a special treat, Mike's brother and his family came in last weekend, too! We were so happy to have them here and we filled every minute of our time together. However, we didn't expect how lonely we'd feel when they left. Thankfully, we'll see them again soon, and we already have other visitors to look forward to!

 And before we knew it, Sydney and Jared were headed back to school. They go year round here.

 They are already making new friends. I know they will adjust, but right now making new friends seems to be reminding them of the friends they left behind, which has its ups and downs. These are the kids they meet and walk with to the bus stop. Jared didn't even slow down when I met them the first day. I feel super lazy letting them do this all by themselves (although I know this is good for them). I have been driving them to and from school since Corban was in preschool. This is a big change for all of us.