summer break

Back in June, the movers came and packed off all our stuff, our household goods and my car are on a boat on their way around the world, T.J. and I handed over the keys to our first home to the new owners, graduation ceremonies were celebrated, and then we loaded up and said goodbye to Washington. T.J. drove his pick-up truck and our dog the 2,700 miles and Tommy and I flew on ahead of him. We reunited in South Carolina where I now find myself with an actual summer vacation- an entire month and half "off" before we fly to South Korea. With the exception of a busy toddler afoot, it almost feels like those long ago childhood summers that were wide open and fancy free.

Final Ortho Residency Banquet

Hospital Graduation Ceremony

We're gonna miss seeing Mt.Rainier out in our neighborhood!

It's pretty amazing how getting rid of our house, and all the responsibilities that went along with it, really lifted a ton of weight off my shoulders. No floors to clean, no fridge to fill, no grass to cut, no errands to run, no mortgage, no bills. I feel like a kid at home again. On top of that, my massive to-do list that seemingly had no end before we left Washington, has "magically" shrunk (aka the days before we left were pure CHAOS) to just 4 little reminders. We've somehow managed to take care of everything we needed to take care of before our imminent departure. So now we rest, relax, soak up all the family time, and wait to leave on our big grand adventure.

It has been quite the treat being back in South Carolina for such a long visit, and our families have completely spoiled us- it's going to be an adjustment once we get to Korea and I don't have as many eager hands around to entertain Tommy. T.J. still has to study and take his boards next week, but we've managed to squeeze in a lot of fun together, some porch sitting and boat rides during his study breaks. And we're definitely taking advantage of the surplus of babysitters around for a couple of solid date nights while we still can!

Tommy has been an absolute trooper, he has amazed me with how well he has adapted to all the changes (let's hope that continues since the changes are only just beginning). He has be-bopped from hotel to pack 'n'play, from one grandparent's house to the other since the beginning of June. I don't know what all he understands or thinks is going on these days. And while I'm sure it's quite confusing for him, he's rolling with it and loving his summertime in the South.

Swimming in the lake, jumping off the dock, blueberry picking, his sweet little voice saying "shoo bee," fishing with PawPaw, collecting eggs with Papa Tom, checking on all the farm animals, eating lots of watermelon, and of course making sure every relative gets a chance to play ball with him over and over and over again. I love that he gets to give everyone a big hug, squeeze, kiss before heading to bed, and that he's so excited to see them again when he gets up in the morning. And I know just how precious this extended time with their grandson/nephew is for our families. 

So that's what summer looks like for the next few weeks. Lots of sunscreen and puddle jumpers, popsicles and corn on the cob, iced coffee on the screened in porch, staying up late talking with my family, listening to cicadas, and filling up on all the goodness of home here before we set up our new home over there.