trains, planes, and (too) many goodbyes

The last six weeks Pete and I were in the States were a bit of a whirlwind. We were preparing to pack up our house, but we also had things we wanted to do and people to see before leaving. 

First on the list of things to do was Pete being an engineer for a day at Roaring Camp Railroad. Roaring Camp is a quarter mile from our house and the whistle from the steam train is a favorite sound at our house. Pete loves learning how things work and steam engines have captivated his interest on many occasions. He has often joked about running the trains when he retires, so when I found out you could be an engineer for a day on the steam train, I signed him up! He had to arrive at 9 am to learn the ropes and then spent the day co-piloting three trips up the mountain and back. Even though he only got to drive the train on a short stretch of track each trip, he had a grand time learning the intricacies of running a steam train. 

learning from the engineer

there are a few valves and gauges to watch...

coming down the mountain on his first trip

Pete the engineer

releasing steam on the way into the station

heading out for trip #2

A couple weeks later, Pete and his parents flew to Iowa for the biannual hand tool woodworking show, Handworks. We went for the first time two years ago and Pete thought he would go every four years, but decided this would be a good family trip before leaving the country. Woodworking with hand tools is seeing a resurgence, so the venue doubled in size from 2015 to 2017. While the original Studley tool chest was the attraction last time, a replica was the star this time around. The replica was built in six months and was every bit as beautiful as the original.

Pete's dad with Roy Underhill

one side of the replica Studley

(photos of the original here)

While they were in Iowa, I had my last event as a mentor for the Student Oceanography Club at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This year marked my 11th year as a mentor...and it was hard to say goodbye. I loved being a part of that program and community for so many years. Those kids give me hope for the future, which is a something I treasure. Our last event was a sleepover at the aquarium--a great way to go out. 

The next stop in our crazy schedule was a week-long trip to Minnesota for me. This was not an enviable trip...I was taking Cole to my Mom's house because taking him to New Zealand was cost prohibitive...at least for now. Cole has been a handful for us over the last two years, but we love him and deciding to leave him behind was HARD. Saying goodbye was even harder. He was a bit freaked out when I picked up his kennel in Minnesota after the flight, but he was pretty happy to see me. On the short drive to my aunt's house, he rested both of his front paws on my leg...I don't think he wanted to lose track of me.

My mom lives in central Minnesota on a piece of property that is probably much closer to Cole's version of paradise than Felton was for him. My mom's house is out in the country so there are few neighbors, fewer neighborhood dogs and delivery trucks, and a scurry of chipmunks to hunt. He had one night by himself before he met the dog matriarch, my mom's dog Kate. Kate made sure Cole knew who was boss (and who my mom's loyalty belonged to first and foremost), but they otherwise got along. It was interesting to watch Cole for the first few days because he was very watchful of Kate and copied her every move. It was almost as if he finally realized that he was a dog. His stress level dropped over the week I was there, and I left knowing that Cole was in good hands. 

Mama Foley has reported that Cole has been on his best behavior, has gone in the lake, and is adapting well to his new home. Kate has played the true matriarch and has curled up with him when the thunderstorms scared him and watched while he went into the lake the first time (yes, he is a lab afraid of water). The 4th of July fireworks are still not his favorite, though...

he isn't top dog, but he did take the plushest bed

the canine matriarch, Kate

hunting chipmunks

enjoy your adventure at Grandma's house, Cole!

Saying goodbye to Cole was the first of many goodbyes. Next up was Pete's extended family in the Bay Area. They have all been so supportive of our decision to move to New Zealand, but we will miss seeing them throughout the year!

the fabulous cousins!

A week after dropping off Cole, Pete and I headed back to Minnesota for our niece Madeline's high school graduation. It is hard to believe that she is 18 already, but we are so proud of her and excited for what lies ahead. She is going to take classes at a local community college next year to finish general requirements and decide what education path is best for her after that. If any of you have contacts in the advertising/marketing photography business, give me a shout!

proud mama

proud grandma

proud siblings

and proud aunties

During graduation weekend we also got to spend some quality time with the rest of my family, the midwestern contingent of Pete's family, and good friends. Wrapping so many goodbyes into a few days was hard, but I'm so glad we got to see everyone!

Our last week together in Felton was pure chaos. Our movers showed up a day late with too few people, packing supplies, and space to actually move us out of the house. This completely undid our best laid plans for getting the house ready for our renters in an orderly manner. Our friends Andrew and Jenny came to our rescue on that front AND hosted a lovely going-away gathering for us. We are so lucky to have so many good people in our lives. We've always known that, but moving far away makes you appreciate them even more. 

And now, our adventures in New Zealand begin...