Don't Forget Your Toothbrush

It was quite the chore, but we were able to pack for 3 different seasons and a possible six month stay for 3 adults and a two-year-old in Philadelphia.  We can't find the words to thank everyone who made this trip possible.  So many people have given in their own way to support our family.  It was amazing to see how items we needed for the trip were provided for us.  People donated items such as the following: free inspection of the Jeep, a hitch plus installation, luggage rack, help with packing, finances, etc.  Michael's Dad even helped remodel a bedroom for Caleb in order to make room for baby Jordan.  We couldn't have done this without the support of our truly amazing friends and family.

We literally had to hold stuff in as we closed the doors.  If we had needed one more bag, we would have needed a larger vehicle or a U-haul.  As I strapped Caleb in the Jeep, he looked at me and said, "Daddy, I need to go potty."  As you can see, one of the biggest blessings we've received is that Michael's mom found a way to go along with us.  She will be able to stay in Philadelphia with us for support and to help watch Caleb.  One of our biggest prayers answered: Caleb gets to be with his family.  It is a lot to ask of a person to put their life on hold for another.  Grandma came through for our family in a big way.

It was hard to for all of us to say goodbye to our family and friends; mostly because we don't know when we'll return.  The good news is that everything stayed tied down and we made it safely to St. Louis, MO where we will spend the night.  Caleb is having a good time traveling.  Every time we go over a bridge, "Daddy, can we do that again?"

By the way, given everything we had to do to prepare for this trip, Brandi did forget her toothbrush...