The biggest news of all ...

I guess I've been putting it off because I don't even know how to blog about it! It makes everything seem so real, and it's almost like I didn't even think it would ever happen, or maybe ever could really happen. It's something that we've been trying for for over a year! We found out it was true a little over a month ago, but haven't documented as of yet. It's something that will change everything. Something huge and important. Something shocking, unbelievable. Downright miraculous. Exciting. Crazy. Maybe something we've been preparing for all our lives.

Ok, now I'm exaggerating a little. I just wanted to build the suspense.

And no, I'm not pregnant. That's everybody else except me.

So, are you ready? Here it goes ... MOM AND DAD SOLD THEIR HOUSE AND MOVED TO TEXAS!!!! Can you believe it? THE House. The House we grew up in and built memories in for 17 years. The House with the most spectacular backyard ever! The House that took over a year to sell, but finally attracted the right buyers at the right time.

This House was my parents' Labor of Love for nearly 2 decades. But as time rolled on and we started talking about The Great Migration, it became clear that the Labor of Love was something they could indeed bear to part with. The Love never changed; no, it was the Labor that became the issue. Dad retired in 2004, and his pain and severe back problems prevent him from doing this Labor that he loves. It's heartbreaking when the things that you once adored can become too laborious to manage or enjoy when dealing with a life of chronic pain (maybe speaking from a personal perspective here).

The House closed escrow on June 15th, my parents arrived the night before. A miracle they arrived in one piece, as Dad can't sit almost at all these days, and mom has blood clotting issues. Thank goodness for handicapped arrangements and nice flight attendants on Southwest! We were able to find them a wonderful apartment complex called the San Paloma, where they will live (and we will relax) until the new homes are built. Check out the pics and a video Michael posted on YouTube. (He loves his Mac a little too much.) This apartment complex is unbelievable, not a bad place to suffer in Texas. It is across the street from Dell, so lots of nice young professional people live there. It has three pools, a cabana and swim up bar, a great business center and clubhouse, a small coffee and sandwich shop, in addition to the huge indoor spa and weight room. You never have to leave! All for a whopping $675 a month. (Father's Day pictures of apartment life coming soon...)

Dad has started his own blog - and it's worth reading (more than mine, as he's much more eloquent and intelligent than I). He's more likely to keep with it too, he won't let you down the way we have.

So, welcome to Austin, Mom and Dad! For those who might be shocked by this news, and maybe didn't get to say farewell, well it all did happen quickly. And with their health problems, they weren't up for much before moving. So I guess that means you'll just have to come and visit us all here. ;0)

Mom & Dad's new van, a Toyota Sienna. (Not as cool as our old green handicapped van, but I suppose it will do.)



Fully equipped with child car seat and safety features for when/if I ever do get to make that announcement.