Cross Country, Days 1 and 2: South Bend, IN

QAfter a stressful Tuesday of Kindergarten graduation, last day of school chaos, errands, packing, cleaning, and getting ready, I woke up early Wednesday, sad to be leaving my husband, but looking forward to the trip. Except there was one more thing to do: sew a pig. (More about that later). 

We, thankfully, managed to get on the road without too many problems and spent the next 8.5 hours listening to music, audiobook, and two movies (Tooth Fairy and Sorcerer's Apprentice). 

We got to Goshen and visited with the Miller's, saw their new house, ate a super yummy dinner, walked in their garden, and played with sweet Lucy.

Zoë , Nica and Megan with Lucy Miller.

We then drove to Harter Heights, our old neihborhood, and before I could even stop the van, Zoë and Megan had their doors open and were ready to jump out! 

Addison & Megan, Ivie and Zoë, and Waverly Skube in front of their house.

Addison and Megan

Zoë and Ivie

All the girls played at the Skube's (7 girls ages 12 to 3!) while I unloaded the van and chatted with Cathy Hall for a bit.

I rounded up the girls at ten, and we finally, after many tears and loud discussions about sleeping arrangements, got to sleep. We are loving having a nice house to hang out in! We are staying at our friend's rental home, literally three houses away from our old house! Perfect.

We had a lazy morning, breakfast of cereal and eggs. Then, Zoë and Megan were out the door to play with neighborhood kids, and I took Miranda and Nica to the Zumbrun's, where they were all happy to see each other and took off playing.

Jacob (8), Miranda (7), Joshua (6), Nica (5)

I got to visit with Julie and Jenny, who brought Lucy over. Sadly, we didn't get enough time together as the boys had scouts. We are hoping we'll have more time tomorrow.

We then had a lazy afternoon- the younger girls were still tired from late nights this week (manifesting as crankiness and excessive stubbornness). We jumped on the trampoline and watched tv. Nica had fun jumping with Lucy.

 Megan and Zoë just ran from house to house playing, chatting, listening to music, and whatever else Tweens do, have a great time.

Ivie, Finnegan, Max, and Zoë (Parker came over later; Addison and Megan were on the trampoline)

Ivie, Finnegan, Parker Elliott, Max, and Zoë 

About 8 pm, I left Megan at the Skibe's, and Zoë with Ivie in charge of Miranda and Nica at "our house" while I headed to the South Bend Chocolate Factory Cafe downtown. There I met (in order of appearance) Janelle Lewis, Julie Zumbrun, Cheryl Moody, and Katrina Coffman. We had a wonderful chat, some goodies (Chocomania ice cream cone for me). It was cool and drizzly, but we stayed outside til it got dark, then went inside for another little while. It was a wonderful time with just a few of the people I love.

Cheryl, Janelle, Julie and me (Nadine)

I was chilled so I tried to turn on the heater in the van on the way home, but it wouldn't warm up. I am nervous about that and will check it again tomorrow.