Day 3 - Progress

I still cannot find the underwear... and the bowls for a quick cereal breakfast are still packed and not yet washed, so Aunt Gretchen and I ran to the store to buy some plastic dinner ware and undergarments.  After a quick breakfast, we were determined to make some headway today.

The plumber came late this morning and had the sink leak fixed in no time. Phew!

Scott prepped materials so we’d be ready for the builder when they arrived.  Aunt Gretchen and I unpacked and washed the kitchen stuff.  If it wasn’t setting on the island in the process of being cleaned, it was put in the pantry temporarily.  Jenny again kept the kids busy most of the day... including a trip to the indoor pool.

Steve and Melissa arrived around 12:00 noon to start on the cabinet/drawer handles.  The cabinets are set so close that its nearly impossible to open them without he handle so we are eager to get those installed and be able to put away our things.

All us girls plus the kids grabbed take out from Steak and Shake for a late lunch.

Steve and Melissa left a bit before 5:00 pm and by then we had most of the pulls on the kitchen.  The island was piled with dishes that we had washed by hand but the cabinets still needed to be clean and the shelves put in.

While I finished homework with Tyler, the rest flattened all of our cardboard boxes and we hauled them out to the trailer on our way to dinner at Logan’s.  Because we had to move the trailer off site, Aunt Gretchen had contacted the church where we donated a bunch of furnishings from the previous owners and they were happy to let us park there.  So we divided up.  Scott and Aunt Gretchen dropped off the trailer and stopped at a hardware store for some supplies.  Jen, the kids and I ran to Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Dillards for a few items.  We all arrived back at the condo close to the same time and decided on watching a TV show before bed.

Day 2 - We Have Arrived!

I’d love to say we slept wonderfully, but it just isn’t true.  I was awake at 4:20 am but waited til 5:45 to take the dog out.  Then started my shower and the rest of the family rolled out of bed as the bathroom became available.  We were at breakfast right at 6:30 when it opened and on the road just before 7:00 am.

Everyone was excited to arrive and the smiles continued most of the morning.  Only one stop for gas / bathrooms about 45 minutes out and then finally we had arrived.

When we got off the elevator, Aunt Gretchen and Jen were already waiting and we all proceeded down the hall to our condo.  Melissa, the builder’s wife was scurrying around with cleaning supplies and a screwdriver installing the switch covers.  And three movers were hauling in our furniture and assembling it.  First the condo is beautiful!  I can picture it finished and it is just the way we hoped.  However, its not quite ready for us.

What we found was a bit of a mess.  Much of the dust and dirt from construction was still on the floors and caked the windows / cabinets.  Several lights had not been installed yet.  Piles of closet organizers were on the floor and a few other noteable projects unfinished.

After a few short minutes and feeling in the way and overwhelmed on how to help, we decided to grab some lunch and make a plan so we all headed to Red Robin.

So, the condition of the renovations wasn’t what we had hoped for but it wasn’t the end of the world either.  We decided that we would just spend a little extra time working with the builder to complete the work and getting it the way we had hoped.

So once we got back, Aunt Gretchen went right to work on scrubbing those floors, hoping to get as much up BEFORE the furniture went in.  I tried to help the furniture men by quickly letting them know where items go as they brought them in.  The builder went to pick up our mattresses so we’d have something to sleep on tonight and Scott began work on some of the more pressing projects.

Jen brought the kids to the pool.  Yup, she was bundled up on the side but those crazy kids from Michigan were loving the heated water in the unseasonably cold temperatures.  Later Jen brought Sammy to the Disney store and played the Switch with Tyler... what a blessing that we knew they were happy and staying busy so we could focus on the work at hand.

At 5:00 pm, the furniture was in and the subcontractors have to leave the building so it was just us again.  We grabbed some Outback for dinner and enjoyed our new dining set (even if half of the chairs are blocked by shelving for the closets (eye roll).

Then we were reminded by security that we only had 24 hours for the trailer to be on site and only today before it had to be moved away from the building so we decided to unload the trailer... it only took 4 trips with 2 carts but we got it done.  Stacks of our housewares, clothing, and Scott’s additional construction supplies now piled in the living room helped to offset the already present closet organizers.

A huge load of groceries arrived which was good cause we needed toilet paper and a few other things!

It was getting later and we were all exhausted after the drive and stressful, physical afternoon.  He had just started to crack open a few boxes when Aunt Gretchen found almost an inch of water in the cabinet under our kitchen sink... Oh my word!  (By the way, we had upgraded to a plastic basin for that cabinet so there was no damage - PTL). So now we were down a main sink and soaking up the mess knowing we had no washer / drawer to handle the dirty towels.  Ugh...

There were a few other surprises / disappointments today:  The room where Sammy was going to sleep had no lights and no windows so we decided to have the kids share a room for now.  I cannot find the kids or my underwear but am certain its here somewhere, the stove and dishwasher didn’t arrive again.

So we got the sink taken care of and the groceries put away and decided to call it a night.  Scott and I finally crawled into bed and were just nodding off when his cell phone rang... it was the front desk checking when we were going to move our trailer.  How could we have forgotten?  Of course, we’ll be right down.  I didn’t even bother to put on my clothes... robe and pajama pants would have to work.  We ran out and moved that trailer with an escort from security.  They really are pretty uptight around here but its “for our own protection” as one of the gentlemen reminded me.  I really am ok with it... it was just a big day and we were tired.  At this point we are just trying to keep a good attitude and enjoy the space, knowing that we will have some sweat equity and funny stories to remember for years to come.

Day 1 - Here We Go!

We are on the way!  So excited to FINALLY be on the road.  The plan is to get as far as North Carolina tonight and then find a dog-friendly hotel.  We needed to arrive at the condo in the morning so that we’d have enough time to unpack the trailer, pick up the mattresses, and find a place to park for the night.  Since our goal for today is right around 800 miles (10-11 hrs with the trailer), we decided to let the kids sleep until their usual wake up times and then get started.

We left the house just after 8:00 am.  Scott woke up with some sinus pressure so the kids are doing their best to stay nice and quiet for the morning hours.  Coco seem to get it too as she has kept pretty quiet as well... just some nervous panting until she settled in.  Sammy is drawing illustrations for her book on her ipad and Tyler’s watching a movie on his.  Its been a smooth ride - no construction or traffic.

Its about 1:00 and we just got back on the road after a lunch/fuel stop in Findalay, OH.  We’re making good time so far and just started an audio book to pass the time.  Scott took some extra meds at our last stop... fingers crossed he gets some relief soon.  

At one point, we stopped in traffic and saw a Pickup truck loaded down with 1980’s living room furniture... think dark brown with olive flowers.  “Hey kids look, its a load of our new furniture!”  I’d like to tell you they immediately knew we were fibbing... but it isn’t so.  We had a good laugh as we waited.

At supper, we got a call that Best Buy has located our Range and DIshwasher (they’ve been missing since last Friday when they were scheduled to be installed but didn’t show).  The plan is for them to be delivered tomorrow and then installed on Friday... so at least we can eat a home cooked meal before the weekend ;)

The trip is a little slower when you have a trailer in tow. Well that AND multiple stops for food, fuel and bathroom breaks.  For some reason we just cannot get the kids and the dog on the same schedule.  Geez!

Throughout the day, Sammy has asked several times about what it means to be “a girl after God’s own heart”.  Several Times.  Its sweet and we explain how David was described that way in the Bible and its a great goal to strive for.  And then a few hours later, she’d bring it up again.  Well just now, she pulled her headphones off (they are watching The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe) and said, “Mom, I think maybe you are a girl after God’s own heart...” she proceeded to share her many reasons why I would qualify and then wrapped up with a reassuring tap on my shoulder and a “I’m sorry I didn’t want to make you cry”.  For the record... I hadn’t started yet.  Although I think I’m a far cry from David’s example, it was such an encouragement to hear her share her reasoning.  What matters most is she understands what it mean to be a follower of God and she notices some of those traits in her mama.  My heart is full tonight.

Its almost 8:30 pm and we just reached Virginia.  We are hoping to make it to Winston-Salem, NC for the night which is probably another hour and 40 mins.  That will set us up well for the morning.

When I called the hotel we hoped to stop at, they were completely booked, so we looked online for another pet-friendly option and came up with one that looked promising.  When I called to book it, it was HALF the price of the first and 30 minutes closer. 

We pulled off just into North Carolina, near Mount Airy.  Filled up the gas tank and then got checked in and settled.  Everyone is tucked in and its 10:30 pm.  We have another 4.5 hours to go tomorrow so the alarm is set for 6:00 am.  Here’s hoping for a good nights sleep for us all!

We’re Ready...

We bought our condo back in April and spent two weeks down at the beach in late May / June for closing.  

Its been difficult waiting all summer as the renovations continued and we can hardly wait to get back down there now that its almost complete.  

Scott has put so many hours into planning and coordinating with the builder, suppliers, etc.  I call it an act of love... because I know he’s sacrificed much and does it for our family to have this place to make memories in a place that we love.  So the last few months we’ve been buying, unboxing, returning, repackaging and packing the trailer.. all in hopes that our new place will feel like home.  

So here’s the plan... Thursday the movers will arrive around 10:00 am to deliver and assemble the furniture which should take most of the day.  Gretchen and Jenny Adema plan to meet us around lunch time to help us unload our trailer and then we’ll take the trailer to pick up our mattresses which are currently stored at the builder’s home.  Then we have to figure out a place to park the trailer for the month.  

While we’re gone, Uncle Roger, Mart and George Adema will be visiting Grand Rapids so they’ll be staying at our home while we’re gone.  So as we finalize our packing, we are also getting things ready for their visit.

It’s going to be a busy couple of days... I’m not sure anything will go as planned so we are striving to remain grateful and flexible.  The trailer is loaded and locked; we’ve said our good-byes and when morning comes, we’ll start our trip south.

Our Accommodations

We are staying in Marbella... a beautiful gated community on the shores of Juan Dolio, just 30 minutes from the capital of Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo.  Our unit is in building 5, 2-46.  

It is the closest unit to the beach and we have LOVED it.  At 3000 sq ft we have lots of room for everyone and we feel very comfortable during our stay.

The sitting area with gorgeous views.  We would sit here when the veranda was too warm.

This is the dining room with the sitting area and ceiling to floor windows beyond.

Here is the living room with a HUGE flat panel TV.  The laundry is tucked in the closet behind the couches.

The kitchen.

Bar Area in kitchen

The Master Bedroom with en suite and walk in closet.  The windows are sliders so you can sleep with them open and hear the ocean waves all night. 

The kids' bedroom with attached bath and two closets.

 JC and Mary's Bedroom with their own bath as well. 

The pool with our building on the far end.

The grounds at Marbella are beautiful as well.  There are 2 Olympic-sized infinity pools, canopy beds on the beach and a playground for the kids.  The beach area is cleaned and raked everyday to remove sea weed.  The swimming area is protected by a rock wall to keep out some of the larger sea creatures.  There are large comfortable lounge chairs both at the beach and pool.  It is a fabulous resort and I would highly recommend it.  

We found the condo through VRBO and so we worked directly with the unit's owner to rent and make arrangements.  He was wonderful to work with and quick to respond.  He even arranged our ride from the airport.  I've been very impressed with the hospitality of everyone we've worked with.

The New Place - Day 13

The view from our balcony to the South...

The view to the north...

The view down...

Furniture on the patio...

The living room...

The kitchen and pantry...

The laundry...

My room with ocean view...

Katie's Room with a sliding door onto the patio with both an ocean and plantation view...

Tyler's Room...

Sammy's Room...

Panoramic View from Balcony...

A Great Start - Day 1

It started off a pretty early day...  the alarm read 4:15 when I rolled out of bed.  The truck was already packed and everyone's clothes were set out.  Scott and I got ourselves and the house all squared away before waking the kids up at 4:50 for a 5:00 am departure.

We breezed through check-in and security and waited only 15 or so minutes before it was time to board the plane.  The kids both sat with me in the front row of coach while Scott snuggled in with two strangers about 5 rows back.

I've always considered flying with kids a necessary evil. It potentially could be 5 hours of misery... but at least you are hurtling forward at 500 mph the entire time.  Compare that to driving 16 hours spread over 2 days with spills, arguments, potty breaks, etc.  Days that we fly seem to get harder as the day goes on... the second flight worse than the first.

So today started off that way.  The short 28 minute flight to Detroit went beautifully and we were all smiles as we departed the plane having not received a single dirty look from another passenger.  I was thrilled!

We had a two hour lay-over so Scott and Tyler headed for breakfast while Sammy and I found a quiet spot on the floor to play Uno.   We sat 2 and 2 across the front row of coach on this plane.

Again, the kids did AMAZING!  Sammy definitely started to get bored... but she held it together, asked me what she could do and made it through.  I even dozed off for a few minutes!  BEST.FLIGHT.EVER!

The airport at Myrtle Beach is quite small but so easy to navigate and smooth for renting a car with ease.  So we loaded up our mini van and headed to lunch!  We finished up at Red Robin and headed to the Margate to visit Uncle Roger and Aunt Gretchen and to check out the view!

Next, it was our traditional walk on the beach to admire the ocean and chase the waves... I mean, it is WHY we make the trip, right?

Then, I made a trip to the grocery store to stock up while Scott and the kiddos made a run to Crumb Buns (Mmm).

We checked in our condo at 4 pm and got settled.

Then it was a wonderful meal with Rog, Gretchen, and Jenny that even included a quick visit from Dean!  It was a great night but you could definitely tell the kids had been up for 17 hours... Tyler just couldn't stop giggling.

So it was bedtime and boy did it feel good!

The Condo

The Margate tower at Kingston Plantation is a beautiful ocean front high-rise.  We've visited each year since 2006.  This year is our first time in unit L02.  It is a four bed, three bath unit that has a wrap around balcony.

The living room is large with seating for 9.  It is a wide spacious room that opens to the dining room and kitchen.

The kitchen is large and has updated appliances and comes very well stocked with kitchen utensils and appliances.

Our Room

The bathroom attached to our Master Bedroom.

Tyler's Room

Sammy's Room

We saved this King suite for our guests this year... Meindertsmas, Coles, Miss Katie, and Breens. 

The view from the balcony outside our room

Dining tables for 8 on the patio

A full laundry room

The floor plan