My thoughts on the way to Germany

We are on our way to Germany! I feel good about this move for our family. A tiny part of me wonders what are we doing? Just a tiny though.  We have had so many blessings in our lives the last few months that I know this is right for us. I never wanted this opportunity or experience, but it is just how things fell into place. We chose to do this when the opportunity came up, but we did not have to. Most people in Steve's career go into private practice because that is where the money is. But through reading patriarchal blessings and scriptures, we chose this path for our family. It wasn't any easy choice at all. Since we made the decision about 8 months ago, we have been excited. It helps to have many people who have done this telling us how wonderful it will be. 

Moving has been stressful and I am so glad to do it with Steve. We keep telling each other this phrase and it is because it is so true-"we make a good team." Often one of us will be stressed and it often comes out in anger towards the kids. One of us will still be calm       and we remind each other to calm down.  Having a newborn and making an international move from a state you have no family to rely on during the interim is not easy. You become carless and homeless. All your belongings are taken away for months. Some you won't see for years. The biggest blessing was my friend Jessica offering her home and van to use while they were out of town during the time we need these things.  Words cannot express how much this helped us, especially with a newborn. 

One last picture of our home in Maryland. We will miss Maryland so much!

          Checking in at the airport. 

We took a Super Shuttle to the airport and filled the entire van with us and our things. 14 bags, stroller, and car seats! That doesn't include backpacks for everyone. 8 carry ons! It was quite a sight. The kids helped tons and the smart carts saved us. 

Even little Megan pulled her own weight. I am so proud of all my kids for being so brave and helpful through all this. It really has been several crazy months. 

I said goodbye to my neighbor and dear friend Atiya.  Everyone deserves a friend and neighbor like her. Heavenly Father knew I would need her in my life the last 4 years and gave me her. When you have no family to rely on and have a friend that feels like a sister just a few houses away, life is simpler and better. She watched my kids countless times, picked them up when I couldn't, listened to me for hours, spent time with me when I needed someone, and always had eggs and milk when you ran out and were in the middle of a recipe. I don't know what I will do without her, not to mention my 3 oldest kids were best friends with her 3 children. 

We blessed Landon a week ago. Steve gave him his name and a beautiful blessing. We had family in town for that and it made it even a more special day. 

             My mom and Landon

             Megan loves her Grandpa.

Gloria (Grandma Dryden) and Landon with his hat.

Sarah and Tucker. We sent Tucker to live with my sister Lisa's family. Her 4 kids were so excited to get a dog. I hope the excitement lasts. We have had Tucker for 5 years, 5 long years for me. I like dogs, just not living with me. The kids loved Tucker and were sad to see him go.  The kids always helped with Tucker. He is a good dog. I just couldn't wrap my head around 5 kids and a dog moving to Germany.

I love his picture of Megan trying already to teach Landon how I play with toys. Priceless moments. I love being a mom.

Sarah's same age cousin Livia was able to come out to visit with Grandma andGrandpa  Dryden. They had a fun time getting to know each other better and playing. 

Kate had a fun time meeting up with he cousin Eve. They are so cute together. 

The Dryden cousins enjoying Cafe Rio one last time- at least for us!

With family in town the last few weeks we ventured to Cunninggam Falls. It was way too long of a drive there and back though. Especially when you have to stop to feed the baby and get lost driving. Yes, that would be me . Steve could not make it because the packers were at the house. We had 4 days of packing and loading different shipments over a week. 

                Hiking the Falls!