Settling in Chicago

Since I've been scarce lately, I thought I'd give a quick update on what's going on - and this is a quick version!

Basically, after our movers set in and started packing the house, we lost track of time!  The packing went smoothly (all 290 boxes)    but on the Friday afternoon, the moving van didn't show up.  They couldn't come and pack until Monday, Sept. 6 the day we completed on the house.

We stayed at Tony's parents' house for three nights and flew out on Thursday, Sept. 9.  The POE at Chicago went very smoothly.  We just waited for about 10 minutes and they called us and then just stamped us through and took Tony's fingerprints.  Easy Peasy!

We've sorted out and just closed on a house - we were lucky to find what we wanted in the area we wanted and people who could close quickly (it was unfortunately a divorce  so they were eager to move on...)

In the meantime, Tony's already started some contracting work, my son is settling into first grade and I can't believe it's all falling into place!  We're so happy!

We've had a whirlwind of visitors, friends, family, etc.  and time is flying!

I'll write more soon; I want to catch up with everybody !

Kellie

Hi Kellie! Glad you made the transition smoothly. Shame we never met, we lived so close! Im passing through ORD at the end of Oct.
Take care and best of luck!
Ricki

Yay you! Sounds like things are rockin' and rollin'! Keep us posted!

Thats really great news - it's wonderful to hear things are falling into palce for you!

Hiya Kellie!

So glad to hear that youre happy!! I bet it must be fantastic to be back home. I know I cant wait!

Thanks everybody for your kind wishes.

It's been hectic; after the months and months of waiting and anxiety (sellling house and immigration procedures), everything fell into place so quickly.  I feel like I'm slightly switching off now, because I can!

Over the weekend, I went to the first family party.  My aunt had a 40th b-day party for my counsin and lots of family was there.  It was wonderful to be around my family in normal (un-jetlagged w/ packed visiting itinerary) circumstances and for everybody to meet my kids. 

I have a large extended family, my dad was one of 12, and I'm one of 40 first cousins.  When growing up, we were a tight knit group and now that most of us have families of our own, it's just great to be around everybody, retelling stories of our childhood, etc.

It might sound simple, but I was so happy to be around my family.  There's a lot I missed out on in eight years....