This Past Week & New Orleans Trip

"Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered- how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath." Psalm 39:4-5

Today is time for an update on our recent happenings. This has been quite a week and just the beginning to a lengthy stretch of living out of suitcases and sleeping in strange places. Change is always a weird, exciting, emotional, and exhausting concoction, and each moment is uncertain. But change breathes life and nurtures progress and offers opportunity that staying stationary does not. I’d rather live with the ache with growing pains than atrophy in a coma of comfort. I am grateful for the reminder of my need- a remedy to the swelling of self.

This past week, we had the stressful task of packing everything we owned and trying to discern what was essential to keep with us and what should go before several men stomped out of two big moving trucks invading and devouring our property like some Discovery Channel conquest.

The day before our move, my thoughtful Florida friend, Victoria, was kind enough to cook dinner. What’s more, this was in the midst of her preparation for all the festivities and family surrounding her husband’s upcoming graduation from NAVSCOLEOD and the day after her birthday. What a woman! We have only gotten together with those two a few times, but they have been an immeasurable blessing to us.

We took a much-needed break earlier that day to enjoy our last beach day. It was a beautiful, calm mini-vaca from the crazy mess that consumed our living space. 

Miramar Beach

Our Regular Set-up Spot

That night, Hubs also took a bacon break. I mean, what else do you do at 11:30 pm when the packers & movers are scheduled to arrive at 8 am the next morning? Dirty a skillet & fire up a sleeve of bacon is what I always say.

Priorities.

Thursday was moving day. We were originally scheduled for packers on Wednesday and Thursday and for movers on Friday. These guys were working for the weekend and wanting to pack & move same day. They didn’t get to the house until 10 am and were pulling out of the driveway at 4. It was amazing. Hubs and I took turns with the car running errands and taking Jessie to her last vet appointment. So, once those polite, efficient fellas drove off with our belongings, we both let out a huge sigh of thank-goodness-that’s-over and proceeded to shift into vaca mode. At this point, all we have to do is pack the car and drive.

The Crazy

A Camouflaged Napper

Friday we slept in and cleaned up a little. I hopped in the car with Victoria on her errand run for some last minute QT while Hubs signed out and picked up an addendum to our orders required for reimbursement for the ferry we are taking on our way to Alaska. I’ll spare you that story, but just know, Hubs solved that potential problem like a boss. That night we stole away one last date in Destin. We had a delicious dinner at one of our fave restaurants, Cap’t Dave’s.

We were hoping the rain would clear for sunset pics. These will have to do.

Handsome Hubs

We went to the Columbia outlet to make a raincoat purchase that should’ve happened months ago. I am appalled at how much it has rained here this summer. (Much to Hubs’ chagrin and Jessie’s charm, I found one for her on sale, too.) 

Our New Raincoats

We just returned from spending the last two days in New Orleans where we walked around Jackson Square & the French Quarter, ate jambalaya & a shrimp po-boy, had café au lait & beignets at Café Du Monde, and did some decent people-watching. 

Hotel off Canal St.

Loved this Room!

Exploring

The Saint Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square

Beautiful Sunset

Perfect weather for walking these streets.

A little Creepy, but very NOLA.

Jessie's outing in the Big Easy.

Family Photo

Cafe Au Lait & Beignets

Had several interesting run-ins with street entertainers. Not the expected Jazz, but still my favorite:

Hubs and Jessie wanted in on the action. Don't think they'll be taking this show on the road anytime soon, but it's the best darn duo I've ever seen.

Also noteworthy this week was Hubs' discovery of a new app. So, the potential is great for more of this in future posts: 

We had wanted to spend a weekend in NOLA anyways, but it was a strategic trip to steal hangout time from one of our favorites families. We met Krista and Forrest shortly after we moved to Florida, and they moved away shortly after that. But two months was apparently long enough for Hubs and I to feel like we may have made friends for life.

Fun night out with the Hull's !

Back at the house, Hubs and I ordered pizza and are in for a night of packing up the car and taking care of any last minute details before we turn in the keys to our Niceville home we have adored for these 10 months. This time tomorrow, we will be in Nashville soaking up every minute of family fun. See you there!