May
27
    
Posted (jooosh) in All Posts on May-27-2008

EXHAUSTED!!! Yeah…to say the least.

It was a mad scramble to get packed and load the mini-van before 12:30pm, and that was with Doug and Jeanie helping! They were nice enough to stay over at our apartment last night and help us today.

Hind site is 20-20 and having a wife that plans well can even be better, as long as you listen to her =). A couple weeks ago, Tina thought we should ship some items home before we packed the mini-van because she didn’t think we had enough room. Oh…but I was confident that my mad packing skillz would prove her wrong. Yeah…not so much. When you have trouble finding room to put a pair of shoes in a mini-van, you might as well give up on the 5+ remaining boxes…DOH!

So we gave away a bunch of stuff to our friends, and my Brother-in-Christ (Mr. Matt) offered to ship the remaining boxes for us (Thanks again bro!). Well, it did work out in the end, just probably not exactly how the wife wanted, which isn’t a good way to score points with her. Hoping that giving her a foot rub tonight will make up for it a little!

Ella behaved herself all day. One surprise: her g-tube fell out unexpectedly while we were in the midst of packing! That was a first. Fortunately, we were able to locate what we needed to fix it. Going through this drill made us realize that we did not have a spare g-tube, so we stopped by Shands on the way out of Gainesville, just to make sure that we had an extra.

Ella did well during the drive, although it did look like she was battling some gas so she definitely had her fussy moments.

By the time we finished everything, we were not on the highway leaving Gainesville until 5pm. Originally, we had planned on meeting the Richards and Dirriams for dinner in Atlanta. When we called to break the news that we would not make it, we discovered that both houses had kids that were sick and they were planning to cancel too (they did not want to risk possibly getting Ella sick – – thank you). It was a bummer not to be able to see them, but it seems like it was not in the cards for us to this trip.

We arrived in downtown Atlanta at 10pm, exactly a 5 hour drive. I think Ella scored us an upgraded room too because once the bell hop saw how much stuff we were hauling, he upgraded our room for us to a corner suite with a nice view. Way to go Bun!

At this moment, Ella is sleeping soundly and Tina and I are about to do the same.

Please continue to pray for our safe travels. It looks like we may get a little rain tomorrow, but we don’t expect to see anything like Doug and I saw a couple days ago (Thank God).

COLORADO HERE WE COME!

P.S. Our friends haven’t shared any of the pictures that they took of us today leaving our Gainesville apartment, but once they do, we’ll share with you too.

Thank you Lord for bringing us safely into Atlanta. Father we ask for your continue protection during this trip and for the weather to cooperate. We praise you Jesus for our beautiful girl. Amen.



Kara on May 28th, 2008 at 12:20 am #

WooHoo! Day one down.

The Dirirm Family on May 28th, 2008 at 4:23 am #

So glad you all made it to Atlanta safely. We too were disappointed not meeting you all, but God knew what he was doing. You need a healthy girl for the rest of your journey.
Praying for your safety the rest of the way. Especially through the looonngg 1-70 Kansas stretch. (Yawn).
The Dirrim family

John & Estela Williams on May 28th, 2008 at 5:48 am #

I am so excited for you 3… may God Bless your ENTIRE trip back home to Colorado. Can’t wait to love on you guys. The Williams

Steve and Joan Odell on May 28th, 2008 at 5:55 am #

Enjoy the time together-road trips are good. You’ll be home soon – hugs – Steve and Joan

The Kuhn Family on May 28th, 2008 at 6:38 am #

May God’s mercies follow all the way to Colorado and home. My He put his Angels all the way around your (stuffed!) van and my He let Ella rest and enjoy her ride to her “new” home. btw, Josh, I think most men think they can get a car packed with just about everything they want to bring. lol We have had the same issues a lot in our 15 years together, although, I must say, I never got a foot rub! I usually get to travel with my knees for a chin rest! LOL Well, safe travels and love to you and your family. Also thanks to all you wonderful people out there that are helping this family get home; you have been God sent and will always be so special to this family, I am sure. May God bless you with wonderful weather and safe roads. LoriAnn, Tom, Tyler, Zackary, Seth and Jonny.

the Lizotte family on May 28th, 2008 at 6:42 am #

Wow how exciting… Congrats to you for making it back home with your new baby girl! I’ll pray for you to have safe travels

Laura Marold on May 28th, 2008 at 7:13 am #

Click your heels three times and repeat–There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home!!!

Jim and Char Jordan on May 28th, 2008 at 8:11 am #

Can you believe the length of this adventure. I guess we can say you have not “delivered” the baby until you drive into the house in Denver. Our prayers and love attend you. LOL Aunt Char and Jim

Pam on May 28th, 2008 at 8:51 am #

Hello West Family,

What a long journey so far and now you have yet another journey ahead. I wish you all the best on your travels home- I know you are all so anxious. Ella is such a little beauty- her smile is worth a million! I look forward to catching up with you Tina once you arrive safely and have had time to get settled. Lots of love and well wishes.

Love Pam

Auntie Shannon on May 28th, 2008 at 8:56 am #

Look at that hair! She is so darn adorable. Way to go – on your way.

See you in a few weeks!

XO

Shannon

Morgan on May 28th, 2008 at 8:57 am #

WOW! On your way home, Ella! Have a fun trip! Not many almost-1-year-olds can boast of a cross country trip!

Cliff, Diane and Sonic Blue on May 28th, 2008 at 9:10 am #

Wow, what an adventure. Sounds like Ella has her “road legs” (Seasoned Traveler) already. Keep it up, take your time(you know what I mean) and I’m praying for a safe, enjoyable trip.
Love, Uncle Cliff

Grandma on May 28th, 2008 at 10:47 am #

Ella Babby ! I love the hair looks like you stuck your finger in a light socket.So far so good Cant wait to see you next month. What an amazing adventure. Love and prayers From Richard and Grandma

Joel Snyder on May 28th, 2008 at 11:46 am #

Ella, You look like you survived the first day of travel. Sorry about the gas pains maybe today will be better. I am praying that you have good weather and smooth sailing today. I am on my way to check out the cats and make sure all is well at home. I will check on you later. Love,Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tracy Schultz on May 28th, 2008 at 12:03 pm #

Yes, it would have been nice to see you in Atlanta, but we are glad to know that you are finally on your way HOME!! :0)
Have a safe and uneventful trip! Love,
The Schultz Family (friends of Richards and Dirrims)

Barbara Bour on May 28th, 2008 at 2:31 pm #

I am watching your travels and delighted that you are on your way back home. I used Ella’s pics in my lecture this week; ended the lecture with the Carmen Miranda….got a lot of oooohs and aaaaahs from the class. Thanks for allowing me to treat your special angel. Love, Barbara

Chambers Family on May 28th, 2008 at 7:08 pm #

I remember telling my baby all about her new home and it brought tears to my eyes when I would describe it. These days have been a LOOOG time coming for you and your family – with many tears behind you and some more ahead but tears of joy and celebration! Godspeed.

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