Our Life In 11 Totes

Goodbye Minnesota!

              One last hug to our beloved Maggie.

We looked into bringing Maggie with us but as it turned out, it is a very costly process. When we factored in the length of the flights, the quarantine process combined with her age, we decided it would be in Maggie's best interest to stay in MN where she loves the frigid temps and a snowy yard.  Barb and Larry graciously offered to co-parent her as she gets along well with Steve the Dog and loves the Edina community.  

Totes and Totes!

We had a decision to make as far as how we were going to get our stuff to Western Australia.  We could either get a container and then have to wait a minimum of 3 months to get our stuff or bring everything with us as luggage and buy replacement items once we settled in.  We opted to pack our lives into 11 totes and haul it all with us.

Mike was very organized as we each had our own color and what was in each tote was itemized on a spreadsheet.  This came in very useful when we went through customs in Brisbane.  While all the totes were being x-rayed, we were asked what was in a specific tote.  Mike quickly rattled off that it was one of my curling irons... the odd shaped barrel that makes "beach waves."  The customs agent made a comment about not knowing how we would survive being packed this light followed by a grin and nod and off we went!  Thank goodness or we could have been unloading all of it for inspection. 

Not Goodbye but So Long For Now

Our parents came early to say good bye to us and the kids and drive us to MSP. We were very appreciative for all the love and support. This was hard for everyone as we are all very close. They will be missed; collectively they are the best grandparents ever!  💓 

Airport Endeavors

Checking our bags at the Delta counter went way faster than we anticipated.  It was like they did this everyday! 

Once we got past security, it was a bit of a party at the airport.  After 10 years of living next to a pilot, we bumped into our neighbor, Jim who flies for Delta.  We had always hoped to see him and it actually happened!

Tim and Kristi were returning home from a little getaway in Florida and we were also able to meet them at the gate, with us holding a very entertaining sign.  I was ecstatic to be able to give my bestie one last hug.

We are proud of the kids as they have become good little travelers. They rolled with everything extremely well, as they left most of their toys and things at home.  We are all excited to start this new chapter. It's not forever & we'll be back before you know it! ✌