On June 14th Dad had his final day of work at Porsche Financial in Lisle, IL. Shortly after we got married, the company made a plan to move the entire Porsche North America company down to Atlanta, Georgia. We went back and forth with the idea of going along with them, but in the end decided Georgia just wasn't for us at this time in our lives. They offered great incentives for both moving with them, and for staying with them until the end. We took the latter and Dad helped in the moving process, as well as, training up new employees to take over his position down in Atlanta. He was with the company for going on 8 years, and learned a lot through the ups and downs that he faced throughout his time there. The timing was perfect, and he felt ready to move on to something new. Back in November he came home from work, looked at me and said, "Let's move to France for a while!" I was under the impression he was half joking, but in fact he wasn't and so the planning began.
We have the perfect situation to do this at this point in our lives. A home to rent out and come home to, no bills (thankful for no debt!), a garage to put our car in, a beautiful apartment to live in while here in France thanks to your loving, hardworking Mamie and Papi, and a flexible little girl (YOU!) to travel along with us at an age that won't shake up your whole life. We jumped on the chance to have this experience as a family. To learn where your Dad grew up, and properly get to know the people that surrounded him throughout his life and helped mold him into the wonderful, patient, loving, thoughtful, kind man he is today. I couldn't be more excited for this journey and all that we will learn together as a little family of three, growing to four in the fall! :)
After Dad's last day of work, we packed up the house, cleaned it with vigor, and headed out to Lake Geneva to spend two weeks with the McKendrick clan before flying over the Atlantic. Aunt Michelle and your four older girl cousin came up from Florida to join us at Grandma and Grandpa's house! It was a full, chaotic, loud, wonderful time with the WHOLE family, and such a great way to spend our last couple weeks in America! We don't get to see the Ott family as much as we would like, so it's always nice when we get an extended time with them. This was the second year in a row that we all got together in June, and just like last year, they all loved on you a whole, heaping lot! :) You and Aubrey bonded once again, and it was the sweetest thing watching her play and care for you. If there is one thing you lack in life, it most definitely will NOT be love from your family!! We are blessed with all the chaos that fills the house when we are all together.
It was so fun watching you, Remington, and Cohen laugh and play together at this stage. You three are just the cutest, and we can't wait to watch you three grow up together. Your little brother will have two cousin close in age as well, but just the opposite of you. Instead of two boys and a girl this time, Aunt Erin and Aunt Janine both are having (had) girls, and we are blessed with a little boy on the way! All six of you will be so close in age, when years go by it will be fun to see how you all interact together.
Our time was packed full of memories. There were days spent at the lake, on the boat, downtown Chicago (crazy!), walking to camp, a lot of time spent in the back yard playing in the sandbox and pool, and a family party for us as a "farewell for now". It all went by so fast, but was so special and fun to be with so many loved ones.
It was sad to leave, but are so thankful for Skype and the ability to keep in touch with family even from across the ocean! The time difference makes it a little tricky, but we will survive, and Grandma and Grandpa will be coming to meet your little brother in the fall. As hard as it was to leave all the cousins and family, we were so excited to get here to France and settle in to our life here. It is such a blessing to have this opportunity and we plan to take full advantage of our time here.
At the end of our time with the Ott's, the three of us slipped away for an overnight in Iowa to meet baby Junipar Joy and visit with the Zay's in Davenport. It was a quick trip, but so good to see family and friends that are really more like family! :) Aunt Anna joined us, and it was so fun to have her along for the drive and just to be with her. She reminds me a lot of your dad, and the two of them have always had a special bond. We love her!
All this to say, we are extremely blessed, and thank the Lord everyday for all He has provided and continues to show us as we follow Him. Our pray is that this experience will be one that strengthens us as a family and teaches us far more than we could possibly imagine. God is so good!
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