We did it – we survived the last few weeks and we’re sitting at the airport waiting for our flight to be called.  It’s been a crazy ride. Our main task was to get the house we’re building done – it’s our financial plan for this new life.  It came down to the wire – we stopped working at 2:30 yesterday, appraiser came at 3:00.  House is officially done.  Except for all the little things that aren’t.  But enough that we can breathe and head out.  It wasn’t easy.  Last week saw flat tires, computer erased reports, scratched hardwood that had just been laid and had to be relaid (3 times), big challenges at work, large bank deposit that ended up in the wrong account, and little sleep.  We were so intent on getting it done that I actually used power tools…. twice…..

So we’re at the airport ready to go.  Meigan is at the airport in Vancouver and Brett is on a bus from Guadalajara.  By tonight the Swansons will be a family in our new home.  A great start to a new life.  As always Grant and I see it differently.  I say we’re moving today.  He says we’re “starting a transition”.  He won’t see this as a move until his tools are with him.  I guess we all have our attachments that define home.  As long as I’m on a beach by tomorrow he can call it anything he wants.  We will return to Canada sometime in January to finish up final house details, get taxes done, file year end business reports, etc.  So maybe transitioning isn’t so far off.

The very final steps of this move were obvious – have some comfort Canadian food.  So last night we met the Williams family for a quick supper of poutine.  This morning a final Tim’s coffee.  Now all is ready.  And I know the suspense is killing you….. yes the pig made it!  It seems kinda ridiculous but I just think we’ll need a friendly familiar face smiling at us while we sit in the garden.

A pig and some more hats

Merry Christmas friends!  If I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye, we will be back in January and will do another round of goodbyes.  My word for 2015 was JOY and although it has been a year of many ups and downs – as life always is – focusing on finding joy in the journey has truly made me grateful for every single moment.  Can’t wait to see what 2016 holds for all of us.  For me, it starts with guacamole.