Our last few weeks in Austin

empty kitchen (trust me)

 Even though we've moved out of the house, we're still hanging around Austin (and Kyle's still working at the Austin office).  Christian and Elke have been kind enough to put up with us at their place.  We leave tomorrow, and have packed (most) everything up in the five suitcases we will be living in until our shipment arrives, around the end of June. We've been scrambling to get all of the paperwork in order for accounts that are still open here.  We've also successfully listed the house, and already have renters signed up!  It was sort of like being on the Dating Game, where are property manager told us about the different couples that wanted the house (Couple Number 1 have been married for x years, have two dogs, and no children; they drive x car and are willing to pay two full pet deposits!). It's very odd thinking this move is really happening!

empty living room

About a week ago we had a bit of a 'see us off' party at Black Star Co-op, which is, yes, our brewery.  Quite a few folks came out, and it was so nice to see everyone.  The usual rodeo gang was there, which was very much appreciated to get all of the kiddos together for the last time in probably 6 months or so!

Elke and Zoe nursing their babies. 
We did not tell her to do this - she did it all on her own!

The Rodeo Gang, waiting for their ride

We also entertained ourselves a bit, with kite flying, the hose on a hot summer day, and bouncy castles.  Jam packed last few weeks.

p.s. If you just listen to the audio of the first video, I think it sounds sort of like Zoe's about to jump off a cliff or something.  But no, she's just flying a kite ;)

last day of school

 Today was the last day of 'school' for Zoe (and also the last day before summer break, hence the pizza;).  She's been at this nursery/day care since she was about 7 months old, and has grown up with a fair amount of these kids, most of whom live in our neighborhood.  We were so lucky to have found this second family for Zoe, and will certainly miss them. 

It has begun...

Meanwhile, today, the moving began in earnest.  We've spent the past two weeks+ organizing all of our belongings into four piles: take on plane, ship on boat, store for however-long-we're-gone, store in an accessible storage unit.  It really does make you think about all of the junk you keep around you, and why you do so.  The house has been a mess, and I've been judicious about what gets worn, or put on beds, or dries hands, vs. what stays cleaned and in piles.  What an adventure we're about to go on!

we won't be seeing these things until summer 2014 at the earliest

Congratulations Emmy!

the whole family

This past weekend Emmy graduated from the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing!  Off into the world of nursing she goes, but before that we had some celebrating to do.

First off, at Uncle Billy's brewery/restaurant.

 And then, this girl got a hold of the camera:

 She and the guest of honor hammed it up for a little while

 

before Zoe took a pretty darn good photo for a two year old.

Emmy and her beau, Ross

 Then the whole family were off to A. Shereda and U. Steve's lake house to celebrate even more. 

toasts with family

(a very small contingent of) the Wolf cousins' kids

Emmy and some giants

Pops and Emma

 Congrats Emmy!

Auntie Em and her favorite nieces

Visiting our Future Home!

 a few days in the fresh English air

 sort-of view of the future home,

mostly hidden by house in foreground

At the beginning of the month, Kyle and I went for a quick week trip to Newbury, to check out the (potential) new house and the (definite) new hometown.  Kyle worked quite a bit, but I was able to go into London for a few days (I could spend a whole week at the V&A, but limited myself to just one day:). 

We also visited the house, and decided that it did indeed have a perfect location, backing right up to Goldwell Park.  I attempted to set up a bank account by myself (fail - as a married woman not working in the UK, they wouldn't even store whatever money I brought them), and explored the town (sucess). The weather was perfect, and we were thankful to have Omi watching Zoe while we were gone, and Grandpa fixing up a few things at the house before we hand it over to renters!

living room - can you tell the current renters have kids?!

dining room

sun room

undercounter fridge, freezer, & washer/dryer

kid's room -> Zoe's room

study -> guest bedroom

master bedroom

view out over the backyard and into Goldwell Park!

TABF fundraiser

 On May Day weekend we headed over to the German Texan Heritage Society as they were hosting a day by the Texas Artisanal Beer Fundraiser, raising money for the Austin YMCA. Tracie and Marcus joined us, and we all had a great time with some good, though very windy weather.  Really good pizza, lots of really good, small brew beers, and some music.

 

 Zoe even was able to help pull tickets for the raffle. And she was able to convince Dad to dance with her!

Goofy girl

monster fingers

2 year, 8 month stats

Zoe went to the doctor's today to get a check up, and shot :(, before we head off to ing-gull-land (that's Zoe's Texas accent pronouncing 'England').

2 year, 8 month stats

weight: 33 pounds (84%)

height: 36-7/8 inches (72%)

head circ: 49.2cm (72%)

(Zoe about a month ago with Daisy, a friend's dog)

She's tracking right about where she's been, which is about 75% on the girl chart. According to the doctor she's a 'big girl' ;) and healthy! Yeah!

Good-bye Prius

In preparation for the move, we decided to sell the Prius. Since it was sold at a time when parts for new Prius(i) were hard to come by due to the earthquake, we didn't fare to poorly on our investment. It served us quite well, and we're looking forward to getting another hybrid or electric vehicle when the time comes.

After saying goodbye, Kyle reminded me

on the way home that this was the car Zoe

was brought home from the hospital in.

I nearly cried.

past the 30 month mark

I'm pretty sure that's the absolute limit for referring to your child's age in terms of months.  Not that I do, but still, time is indeed passing us by, and no longer at a snail's pace. 

April saw us attending Isaac's one year birthday party



 

attending music class with the class 'pet'
 

filling up a borrowed truck with it's limit of pavers and fill to work on a patio project


Zoe attending her first live theater performance

The pre-show craft for Knuffle Bunny.  Show itself was an absolute hit!

 lots of climbing
 


practicing using the camera

 

and, of course, visits to the Co-Op.