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Published: July 26th 2008
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The few days before heading to Ohio to collect the kids were spent packing, storing and preparing some more. Things are certainly not done, and we left with a long to do list...but we had to take the time to go get our kids and see Mark's parents. So we did what we could and left the rest for when we get back. While home, we had a few more goodbyes. I had a great dinner with a group of my friends on Sunday night and then Mark and I went to dinner with Julie and Quinn on Tuesday and with Matt and Natalie on Wednesday. I'm going to need to go through detox at this point...so much wine!
We are in Mogadore, Ohio...near Akron visiting the Slaven grandparents. Mark and I drove here Thursday night. It took us a long time to leave the house because we had a late night of fun with our friends Natalie and Matt (and by fun I mean many drinks and some great food!). We also woke up with a lot of things to do before we headed out, and we got a few of them done before throwing clothes in a suitcase
Mark, Quinn, Julie
sushi at our favorite spot (Coast) and a few plastic tubs of papers and pictures we are storing in Ohio into the car and heading out for our road trip. We stopped in Chicago for a final goodbye with Julie and then drove with few stops to get to Ohio for dinner. Mark was so excited to see the kids (and so was I!). He hadn't seen them in over a month. It was really great to see the reunion. We drove up and Emily was waiting on the porch looking at an album of pictures of all of us--when she was a baby. She kept calling it the photo bible instead of photo album.
The kids have been here for a fun-filled week. They had a great time playing outside in their tree-house and playhouse, catching frogs (and releasing them), swimming and eating lots and lots of desserts. They also helped Grandpa out with the garden and yard work. Nathan even drove the tractor! The kids have been coming here for a week during summer break for the past 3 years and every time they come there are new surprises. This year, the inside of the tree house was updated to include a loft.
Nathan spent the night up there alone one night. Brave guy. He took a flashlight and phone with him in case he needed room service.
We also got to see our friends Pam, Madeline and Seth who live really close to Mark's parents. Pam is a friend we met in Chicago probably 14-15 years ago, but who grew up within walking distance of Mark. It's great when we come home for visits we get to see her and her family. Madeline and Emily are the same age and have been having playdates whenever we come to town. Very fun. Seth is the happiest little almost 1 year old who impressed us with his walking skills.
We are flying home later today (Saturday). We are leaving my car here (sniff) but I know it will be well cared for and much better off here. My key chain is going to be empty. I am currently down to a key to my house, 1 to my Dad's house, and a bunch of frequent buyer cards that will not be of use in China. Just another reminder of the changes that are coming.
Sunday through Tuesday will be insane...but then
we leave for the airport no matter what on Wednesday at about 7am.
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Ophir
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Goodbuy for me as well
well since i can say that in person... (different continent), I just want to say goodbye and to wish you a very exciting journey, hope you will have as much fun as you can or want.