From California to Cornfields to Where???

Most of you know that we're moving but I wanted to share how the conversations went down.....

End of November:
Phil (to Me): I'm not being transferred.
Me (to Phil): I'm so sorry.  I know how much this meant to you.
Everyone Else (to Me): I'm so glad you're not moving.
Me (to Everyone Else): Me too.  Just don't tell Phil I said that!

At this time, I settled back into my home and my life here in Illinois.  Disappointed for Phil, but happy to be staying put for now.  Happy because Kiki decided to move to Chicago.  Happy because Scott and his family are going to be moving much much closer to us.  Happy to be staying near my brother, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews and countless cousins. 

Two weeks later: 
Phil (to Me, over the phone): You'd better sit down, 'cause things are changing.
Me (to Myself, as I sit down): Oh my goodness.  He's been laid off.  But he doesn't sound stressed.....
Me (to Phil): OKayyyy......
Phil (to Me): I'm being transferred.  My boss had an "epiphany" and decided that she better move me out there.
Me (to Phil): Out where?
Me (to God): Please, not Florida.
Phil (to Me): To Ohio.
Me (to Myself): Does he mean we're all moving? (In my defense, I was in a state of shock).


I'm not really sure what we said after that.  Shock, still.  I called my mom and between crying and laughing (if I didn't laugh, I would have fallen apart) I somehow managed to tell her what was going on.  She was just as shocked, because at one point she said, "Wait a minute.  What did you say?"  Yeah, I have no idea what I actually said to her but I eventually got the important information across.

Me (to Anyone Who Will Listen): I'm glad to know that Phil's boss values him so much, but couldn't she have had this "epiphany" two weeks ago?!?

So anyway, that's where we stand.  We've rented a house in Columbus.  The elementary school rates very high.  Tons of shopping nearby and we got a family pass to the Zoo/Aquarium.  And I've already found myself a knitting group.  But the question begs.....

What will I call my blog???

Off to continue purging and packing.  Wish me well! 

And They're Off!

....To school, that is.

Today is the first day of school.  I can't believe that Kai is in second grade and Malia is in first.  For the first time, they are both in full time school.  I thought this phase of life would be hard for me, but I have to admit that I'm pretty excited about having a little time for myself again.  After nearly 9 years of pregnancy, infants, toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners, I finally have a little bit of freedom again.

Here they are, waiting at the bus stop:

I have no idea why Malia is making such a silly face!

Our friends, Elise and Adam

Daddy, waiting in the shade (with his phone, of course!)

 

And waiting to go into school:

This is the 4th year that Kai and Jaclyn will be in the same class

Malia and her friend, Jory

So the question begs......What do I do now?  The house needs some serious cleaning and I have a ton of projects to work on.  I haven't actually read a book in months or wandered around a store with no time limits and no one wanting to "go home now."  Wait!  I think I hear my knitting bag calling me.....Gotta run!

The Ballet Box Presents...

.......CELEBRATIONS!

Malia's dance performance was on Friday and it was so much fun!  Malia was a little nervous but she had such a great time! 

Waiting to go onstage

The preschoolers performed first and they were adorable!  They did a tea party dance....

Here they are, making a "tutu train"

In order to watch the videos, you will need to enter the password "dance"

Here is a video of Malia's tap number, "Welcome Aboard."  Sorry for the wiggling camera.....I couldn't stop laughing!

MTT from Rita Takenaga on Vimeo.

And here is her ballet number, "I'm Cute," and boy, were they!  Expect more camera wiggles.....

 MTB from Rita Takenaga on Vimeo.

My friend, Amy's, daughters were also in the show.  They are the sisters of Malia's friend, Adam.  Both girls always make Malia feel so special.

Malia adores Elise and is always excited to see her.  She is the second from the left (the one with the adorable smile).

EO from Rita Takenaga on Vimeo.

Olivia is a graduate of the Ballet Box and she was one of the girls who was invited to return and perform for the school's 10th "birthday."  Olivia once commented that Malia looks like her when she was little (lucky Malia.....lucky Olivia.....).  Olivia is in the center in purple and yellow.

OO from Rita Takenaga on Vimeo.

Feel free to leave lots of comments telling Malia how great she was! LOL.

A Sneak Peek

Tonight Malia makes her dancing debut!
Here is a sneak peek of what's to come....

The top outfit is for her Tap performance

and the bottom one is for Ballet

Spring-Take 2

A much brighter second day of Spring!

What a difference 24 hours can make

What did I tell you, Heather? Save the clothes shopping for when you get here. We have a great outdoor mall right here in town (in village?).

First Day of Spring

Hi all and sorry I haven't blogged in so long. I did want to take a minute to wish everyone a happy first day of Spring!

The tree in our front yard

Anyone want to come over for a BBQ?

We can eat on the deck and enjoy the view!

Gotta run so I can go unpack our Summer clothes......

A Reason to Celebrate

I only have a minute to do a quick post as I'm packing for my girls' weekend in Colorado, but I have exciting news to share....

Our newest niece, Sophia Grace Takenaga, was born on Monday. She weighed 7 lbs., 2 oz. and was 19 3/4" long.

Congratulations to Ryan, Nancy and Dylan. We can't wait to see you, Sophie!