Off we go!

Hi, all:  

Much has transpired since our last post, so here's a quick update for you all.  

The end of July brought our final trip (we hope) to the consulate in Chicago to finish up Visa paperwork.

Then, August came around and it's been a wild one for us. Our move to Lyon begins in Minnesota, but we'll have important stops along the way: First, a visit with Katherine's Mom and her husband in Pennsylvania, then to Boston where I have a week of recording sessions. Finally, our actual departure to France from Boston on the 22nd.

We left Minnesota one week ago today. The week leading up to our actual departure was incredibly busy - not exactly chock full of the romance and excitement I might have associated with moving a family of five overseas. From selling the vast majority of our belongings, to clearing out our house - there were definitely moments when I began to lose track of the initial excitement I had when we decided to embark on this adventure in January.  That said, we were aided greatly by my terrific parents who not only managed the kids (or rather, were managed BY the kids) while we finished our packing, but who also provided a much needed calm space in their house as we prepared to leave. 

Our task was compounded by the fact that I had two concerts and a weekend of rehearsals just prior to leaving.  Great planning, Aaron! 

Luckily, as often happens, most things fell into line as they needed to, and by Thursday morning the 6th of August, we were packed up and ready to head East on the first leg of our trip.  Actually, the biggest hiccup we ran into was that the lights on our rented U-Haul trailer were not working properly.  A quick pitstop at a wonderful garage in River Falls (shout out to Moody's!) fixed us up, and we were on our way.

Our final week in the Midwest was full of beautiful weather, lots of playing with the kids and their cousins, a last swing from our beloved 200+ year old oak tree in the backyard of Afton Abby, which we will miss, and some really meaningful time with my parents. It was a terrific way to prepare for our send-off.

I'm currently typing this from a little 'resort' in the Poconos in eastern Pennsylvania. Stay tuned - the next post will cover this past week. 

Here is a teaser: after days in a mini van, even health nuts give in to the beggings of their children…