We're here!

I wish I had a bunch of snazzy photos to show off the beauty of our yard and the chaos of the house, with towers of boxes in every room, but we still don't have the broadband set up!!! I am tapping this out in a wi-fi zone at the Caffe Nero in one of the cutest little towns I've ever seen. :)

I have to be brief (Always a challenge for me), so to let you all know...

Getting to the airport was a breeze (from Madison to Chicago O'Hare) because our babysitter's mom was our saving angel and brought all of us, and our six 50 lb. suitcases + carry-ons, there in her huge van. Not only did she get us there in style, but she got us there an hour earlier than I would've gotten us there, if it had been left to my normal ways.

O'Hare was a nightmare. We got out of the van at 5:35 pm and didn't get through ticketing and security to our gate until 8:30. Eeek! Our flight left at 9:15.... Seriously would've missed it if we had left at the time I had planned on.

The flight was good, the big boys barely slept, but everyone was in good spirits. Got through customs and immigration without a hitch and after some uncertainty about finding my husband, we finally reunited the Furious Five and set off in our rented minivan for home.

The new house is gorgeous, the neighbors are sweet, the kids LOVE the huge yard and are particularly enamored with the stand of bamboo, which seems to have yielded some excellent weaponry.

I cooked a delicious breakfast of English bacon, fried eggs, and English muffins for breakfast. My new stove is about the coolest thing I have ever seen.... And a dream to cook on. :)

Will post more when I can. But know that we are overwhelmed and overjoyed to be here!!!

Thank you for all your supportive and kind comments!!! I was almost moved to tears opening up my email here and finding it so full. I can't wait to catch up and fill you all in.