Moving the Russells to SC

6/21/06.... Bruce and I arrived at the Russells ..... The plan.... to load up Bruce's trailer, and head out early the next morning (7 a.m.) to their new home in South Carolina.... When we got there, I gave Jasonn a Graduation Card with a little travel money inside.... He graduated from the 6th Grade this year.... Way to go Jasonn!!! I'm real proud of you buddy!!!
Bruce has his trailer backed up to the garage so Olivia and her helpers can start loading it up....
Jasonn & Kyle also got a Farewell card from Bonnie S. also with a little travel money inside....
Olivia showing just how exhausted she was from days of packing and preparing for this very day.... Ahhhhh... It's finally arrived!!!
Looks like an awful lot of work ahead of us here....
Here I am helping loading some of their stuff into the trailer....
Taking a little 'Pizza' break ......
Bruce reading the AAA Trip Tiks.....
Olivia's helpers.... Leonard and Leonard... They were employees of hers at her old store.... Thanks for all the help guys!!!
Our night was spent sleeping on air mattresses.... The boys in sleeping bags.... We were up very bright and early the next morning hoping to get on the road as early as possible.... "Time to wake up boys"....
Caught Olivia here brushing her teeth on the run, as she rushed around tending to a few last minute details before we hit the road......

After making sure everything was packed, the apartment was left nice and clean, we were ready to head out.... right around 8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. Not as early a start as we'd hope for.... but alas.... does anything ever really go as planned..... Non the less.... Our journey begins........

On The Road to South Carolina

6/22/06.... Finally time to hit the road... Olivia and Kyle traveling the first stretch in her car and Jasonn riding with us...... Jasonn looking out his rear window enjoying the sights along the way and anticipating seeing his new home for the first time.... Stopped off a few times along the way to gas up of stretch our legs.... This stop was just as we were entering Pennsylvania... Somewhere along the way, we got separated from Olivia and Kyle.... but always managed to stay in touch by cell phones.... How did we ever get along without them??
My handsome Jasonn.....
After several miles on the long road to SC... we arrived at our lay over station in NC.... Our ride was a cool one... we had air conditioning.... On the other hand.... Olivia and Kyle had no AC.... and her little ole MM (Momma's Mobile) came close to quitting on her a few times when got caught up in slow traffic.... and to keep her going, she'd sometimes have to turn on the heat so it wouldn't overheat on her....But she made it.... A little tired, a little stressed, but she made it.... And oh yeah.... the MM got a new name after this journey.... MSM... (Momma's Sauna Mobile)
Thankfully our hotel had a nice pool.... So Olivia and boys couldn't pass up some pool time.... I would have loved to have jumped in the pool too, but guess who forgot to pack her bathing suit....??

After a good night's sleep, we were up bright and early the next morning and ready to hit the road again.... Here we're having a little breakfast before leaving.... Jasonn liked that he could make his own waffles....
Posing for more pictures... (of course)

Kyle's turn to ride with me and Bruce.....
This is how Kyle spent most of the trip.... Out like a light...
There were beautiful flowers all along the highway the further south we got....
Taking a little break in our travels....
We've finally reached SC.... only a little more to go and we'll finally reach our destination....
Hallelujah... Brothers and Sisters!!! One very long road trip and we still have to make the trip back yet....

Getting Moved In

After our long 2 day journey... we finally arrived at the Russell Family's new home... Here's Kyle waving to us from their front door entrance on the 3rd floor....Yep that's right... the 3rd floor.... Everything that's packed into the trailer must now come out and get carried all the way up 3 flights of stairs..... Oh... did I mention that it was also a very, very hot sunny 90 degree day.... Bruce relaxing in Klaus' make do living room, while we wait for him to get home from work....
Looking through the living room from the front door, into the kitchen.... Papa had the bare essentials.... We brought the rest....
"Hi Honey.... I'm home"....
Lots of stuff to lug and haul.... and still more inside the trailer...
Glad his family is finally with him, and ready to get them all moved in.... Doesn't matter he's been out in the hot sun all day working since 6:30 that morning.... "Let's Git R done"
I can see the twinkle in Olivia's eyes .... easy girl... there's a few more details to take care of before you guys can try out that mattress....
Getting help from one of Klaus' friends from work...Reed's his name.... Klaus and Reed work on building new homes.... And all he got out of all his hard labor were a couple of cold beers!!!
After several trips up and down the 3 flights of stairs, Reed taking a much needed rest.... Klaus was working the pants right off the poor guy.... (Literally) ... He looks to me like he's ready to collaspe right there where he's sitting...
Olivia doing her part....
You go girl!!!
And yet still more....
And running out of room FAST!!!

Have no fear..... Everything has a place... and since I've last spoken to Olivia, they have everything nearly all unpacked and put away.... Once they're done, she's suppose to send me pictures so I can check out the end results....

First Morning in New Apartment

Klaus & Olivia were kind enough to give their bed over to Bruce and I... This is where they got to spend their first night together in over 9 weeks... Good Morning Russells.... Time to rise and shine!! Bruce and Klaus having a little morning coffee and chat together...
Mom & Son....

Time to wake up the boys.... This is where Oreo comes into action... "Wake up Kyle"...

Ok, ok... I'm awake Oreo!! "Wake up Jasonn".....
Good Morning Oreo... we sure have missed your wake up calls!!
Don't they just look so bright and cheery first thing in the morning!!??....
Still lots to do.... but taking a moment to pose for Mom ..... yet one more time...

Saying Good-Bye

Time to head home... Bruce has the truck hitched up to the trailer and ready to hit the road... Had to get a few more pictures to hold me over until the next time.... (I know what they're thinking... "Come on Mom... enough already... take the picture and hit the road!!")


One last 'SQUEEZE' ....

He makes it look so painful doesn't he... You're going to miss me Klaus... I know you are!!