On Our Way!

Well, we’re finally on our way! This week we packed up our meager belongings, stuffed the truck and trailer to its maximum capacity and headed for the Great White North.

I’m in a bit of denial so far but the hours are counting down and with each passing mile, my resolve to compose myself dissolves faster and faster. I apologize to my family and friends who saw me bawl like a baby when we parted. I wish I could still blame it on pregnancy hormones.

We drove all day Friday, and then stopped in Salt Lake for Becky’s wedding. It was a great stress-relief for me to be with my best-est friends and laugh ‘til my belly hurt. There is true therapy in that. We were lucky enough to see some friends and family as our last farewell.
The drive went well. There are a few things in life I’ve decided I never knew I couldn’t live without. Namely: satellite radio (which now just provides over 200 channels for my husband to surf through as opposed to only ten), the extend-a-cab truck (not to mention the cooler at my feet holding LOTS of cold water and snacks), and Chase’s mobile Ham radio. The later has truly been a blessing as he relies less on me to entertain him and keep him awake which leaves me ample time to crochet, read, blog and play with my camera.
It’s even fun for me to listen to the conversations on the radio. Friday we had a three-way conversation with a man in New York, Utah and Australia. Not to mention all the wonderful people you meet. A shout-out to our new friend Peter- We hope you find the blog and keep tabs on each other. Have a good time in California photographing the bikers!

After the wedding, we officially pulled out on Sunday morning. What a nice drive! Idaho was peaceful and quiet. We stopped there to pet the horses. I’m surprised with Chase’s roping and us around horses as much as we are, this was actually the baby’s first interaction with them. It just goes to show how our lives have been all about the expedition for quite some time.
The baby has been a fair driving companion. Recently he’s found his voice in the form of a high-pitched squeal to get my attention. It’s not a pretty noise at all and all I keep thinking about is, I hope this doesn’t sound like a dying rabbit and attract all the woodland creatures into our tent. As long as I keep him entertained, he forgets about the crazy screech he is able to make and instead begins to laugh and be silly.
He still sleeps pretty well and when he gets tired the lul of the engine and the tires of the Dodge keep him content and happy. Poor little guy, little does he know how much traveling he’s in for. He was so tired today that as I was feeding him, I turned my head for but a moment to mix more carrots and cereal for him and this is what I found...
He’s been a trooper so far and I hope it just gets better. It must be frustrating not being able to communicate letting someone know what you want or how you feel. I have to remember that as I want to throw his toy out the window when he squeals real loud and cover my ears. Instead, I reach deep (REAL DEEP) down and tell myself to breathe, tell him, “NO. NO”, both aloud and in sign. Then I take his little hand (with such big man-hands) and help him pat his chest. “We say PLEASE when we want something. No screaming PLEASE.” With that, he just smiles up at me, thinking I’ve just told him this really funny joke and I think, Maybe this time he’ll get it. Wouldn't it be sad if it were MY child who never learned to sign? Oh the irony!

So, day #2? Check! We made it to Helena Montana. Tomorrow we brave the border. Last year the boys had to unload ALL of their equipment for immigration. I'm praying that doesn't happen because unlike last year, my poor husband is stuck with only lil' ol' me to help with all of the packing. I may be a Shillig by name, but I sure do NOT have the Amazing-Shillig-Tetris ability when it comes to packing.

Check back soon for the conclusion of our packing drama...

Alive and well in Montana!
Love you all.

J'me & Chase