We’re back from a whirlwind visit with Kelly’s family in North Carolina and my family in New Hampshire. We had a great time feeding giraffes and buffalo, swimming in the pool and ocean, driving duck boats, and doing laps around the house with cousins and uncles. Ok, that was mostly Hopscotch, but we had a great time spending time with family as well.
Unfortunately, it also meant saying our goodbyes with the knowledge we might not see them for a while. We’ve already had farewells with a few friends and colleagues, but these were obviously the most difficult. I think it was helpful to do this early in the process though. As difficult as it was, it would’ve been even harder to say those goodbyes and then get on a plane out of the country.
Now that we’re back in Colorado we’re in full on moving mode. With only two weeks left until the movers ring our door bell we’ll be packing in earnest and putting into motion all the plans and reservations that have been put in place. It’s the first time I’ve gotten nervous about the move since the interview with the immigration officer. Not only nervousness that all the parts will come together and the various businesses that will get us to New Zealand will do their part (we’ve already had one curveball there), but also nervousness that we’re really for real going to be up and moving to a new country. And we still have a lot of packing to do!
Putting the moving plans into motion kicks off this week with a visit to the vet for Greta and Tiki for their first round of parasite treatments, as well as a send-off shindig with my friends and colleagues at the National Park Service before Kelly and I head into our last week of work.
Kiwi Bound 