Our final weeks in NJ

Our final weeks in NJ were very busy! We had a lot of organizing to do before the big move and, as much as we were looking forward to moving to England, we were sad to leave our friends behind. We spent the days shopping and going to the pool with Savvy, Krystal, Cass and Jill.

Banana monster! Just a little side note- Esme has disliked bananas since day one. On our trip to Laws Vegas, a lady on the plane offered her one and I didn't want to be rude and turn her down. To my amazement, Esme ate the WHOLE thing! SHe still doesn't like banana flavoring but does enjoy a fresh banana now and again!

Noah likes the water

Esme and Cass

Esme and Savvy

We also discovered that Esme loves plums and nectarines, thanks to Krystal. We were playing at their house one day and Esme was trying to eat Savannah's dinner. Krystal asked if Esme could have a plum instead and she loved it. I don't like plums so I don't ever buy them- I guess they will be in our cart from here on out!

A few weeks before we left, swimming lessons were offered to toddlers in our apartments. We decided to enroll Esme even though we wouldn't be there for the duration. Noah was old enough to start as well but because each child needs one adult, I could only take Esme. Noah cheered from the side lines! Esme ended up taking two classes (weather/illness cancelled one class) and took to the water like a fish. We look forward to taking more classes in the UK!

The move

I am blessed to have a family that is willing to go the extra mile for me. My mom, Brent, Grandma Mardine and Grandpa Wil made the cross country journey from Seattle to Bayonne to help us transport our cats (to the Seattle area to quarantine), car and miscellaneous items.

They arrived just as the movers were finishing up the packing. Not only did they all help with the moving and the cats, they were instrumental in the cleaning efforts. My mom and grandma spent a lot of time and effort making the apartment spotless to ensure that we got our deposit back. I cannot thank them enough!!

The day we set off was also Savannah's second birthday party. Esme and I took a hiatus from cleaning and moving in order to say goodbye to our closest friends in NJ.

The beautiful birthday girl

Savannah, Esme and Cassius- best buds

Esme

Hilarious!!!! He looks horrified...

That's better...

I really can't explain to you how important my friendship with Krystal, and eventually Jill, was for my sanity. Spending time with Krystal and Savannah kept me from sitting in my apartment bored and watching mindless TV when Esme was young. Our daily play dates developed into a friendship that I will always cherish. I will always look back on our "Lucy and Ethel" adventures with fondness and love. Thanks, girls! I know Stephen will miss his friendship with Savvy's dad, David, as well. Stephen and David bonded over Red Dwarf and had a bromance that was written in the stars :)

It was really hard saying goodbye- I am an emotional wreck- but I know that it isn't forever. We will visit the NYC area at times and there is even a chance we will see The Scott family in London :)