MARTIN FAMILY FIVE: FINALLY!

My last blog entry was a little bittersweet. I was a little bit in denial about the change going on in our lives. I re-read my entry a few days after posting it and I began to have a new outlook on the adventure about to take place. Although I knew it, it became more clear that our HOME was where our family is. I think I've read that in a Hallmark card before!

The last few days in our house were jam packed with lots of PACKING! I must take this opportunity to tell you how awesome my husband is and how organized he can be. He did all of the packing (except for about 4 or 5 boxes) and numbered each box, listing in a spreadsheet what was contained in each box. A few days after moving, we realized that something was still packed away that we needed. We went to the spreadsheet, found it on the list, and then easily went to the box with that number! I think he may be good at just about everything! I'm so lucky!!!

We also spent our last few days before moving, celebrating Adrianna's first birthday. We usually begin our birthday celebration with a candlelit breakfast, but considering the age of the guest of honor, we just put the candle in her toast and sang.

That evening, we went to the June Jamboree and we had an amazing time. As usual, my children showed no fear about the rides and about $50 and 3 hours later, it was time to head home and start preparing for Adri's party the following day!

It took her a while, but she eventually got right into it!

I washed her off in the sink and after much scrubbing, her skin was still pink!

The afternoon ended with Adrianna falling asleep in Daddy's lap!

The MOVE day finally came and because of Matt's excellent preparation, it couldn't have went more smoothly. Thank you so everyone who helped with the kids, too! It wouldn't have gone as well if we'd have kids in tow every second of the day!

We've really enjoyed the last week settling into our new home. Our friend, Lisa, has been very welcoming and we are quickly feeling 'at home.' Her property is beautiful and we haven't hesitated making ourselves familiar with it. The kids and I have taken lots of walks on the lot and haven't spent much time during the day indoors. When we are inside, the kids are begging to take baths in the turbo jet bathtub or get out toys that we've had packed away forever.

We had only been in the new place for about 15 minutes and Nate informed me that he didn't like this house because there was no food in the "refridgerlater." He changed his mind after a trip to the grocery store.

This is the view out our living room window. You can't see it well in this picture, but the lake is right outside. I feel like I'm on vacation everyday!

It's reassuring that the kids don't have a problem making a mess at this house, too!

Adrianna has her own little area in the new place. It is completely "Adri proof."

The boys throw sticks into the water for Keely over and over again and never tire of it!

And Keely never tires of retrieving them!

We're not the only ones that like our new surroundings. Keely sure can get into trouble here! We are so glad that we got her shaved before the move!

Nate and Gabe pick up and bring inside just about everything they can find on the ground. We usually start every morning by going on a treasure hunt. I won't mention everything they've found!!!

The house is about a half a mile off of the road, so the kids have a LONG driveway to ride their bikes.

Adrianna likes finding 'treasures,' too. If I don't watch it, she'll eat her treasures...and they're usually NOT edible!

I love it when babies fall asleep in their highchair! This was after a long day of walking through the woods.

I was brave enough to take all three kids, plus one more, to Chicago to visit a friend this weekend (ALL BY MYSELF)! We made it without any delays, other than potty breaks about every 20 minutes. The 3 1/2 hour drive we expected, turned into about 5! The goal was achieved, though...our travels were safe and we had a great time!

When I got pregnant with Nate, my friend Donna told me that by the time I had #3, she'd be ready for #1. Adrianna and Avery are only 3 weeks apart! We've been friends since 2nd grade, so I anticipate that they'll have a long friendship as well!