packing party

it was a bit tricky getting ready for this move because I couldn't start too far in advance.  for one, there was nowhere in our two-bedroom apartment to pile boxes, and for two, most of our stuff was in use.  so on the wise advice of a good friend, I invited a bunch of friends over for a packing party the Saturday before moving day.  ben managed to skip the packing by going off to Chicago for his oral board exam.  I think he would have preferred hanging out with the boxes ;-)

that was one well-taped toolbox

uncovered some treasures

enjoying some mcdonald's brought by m

and lots of fruit too

my godmother brought dumplings from the reputedly best place in town - too bad we only just discovered it!

three happy boys

we love mrs. c

amazingly, our college friend d was also in town that weekend for a wedding.  he came up to have dinner with us, then caught up with ben late that night near the airport.

 

we are so thankful for the generosity of friends!  the packing party took care of just about everything that could be put away, and we had two families come back during the week to dismantle and transport the foosball table and to pack the TV.  and to read to our kids ;-)  all of the above freed me up to deal with the seemingly endless odds and ends.  and, unfortunately, made it that much harder to leave, *sniff*.  we miss you!