Dear Skopje,

I hope you don't think this is too forward of me, considering we just met, but... I like you.  A lot.  I hope that's okay.  You surprised me when I first stepped off the plane.  You have beautiful hills that I wasn't expecting.  Your weather is gorgeous.  Your people are friendly.  There are a few things that bug me a bit - everyone seems to smoke, and the old buildings are not the prettiest, but I expected that.  We ride in taxis everywhere, and they are inexpensive and clean with nice drivers.  I'm still getting used to your money.  I need to really figure it out so it doesn't feel like I'm using play money.  My whole family is looking forward to exploring more of you, and also your country.  I hope to take many pictures of you, as well.  I hope that's okay - I want to share you with the world!  I know that as we get to know each other better, we can become great friends.  I promise to look at you with an open mind, and hope you will forgive me if I offend you.  I think this is the start of a beautiful relationship.
Sincerely,
Jeanae

On the ground...

We landed in Vienna after a 10 hour flight. We were fed a yummy dinner of pasta or chicken, and even though we were in the back, there was still both options. The kids watched movies on their own sets, while I read and Mike played the DS. Of course, Nick made a friend on the plane, and he lives in our neighborhood! It's very difficult to sleep on a plane. In coach. When your body is telling you it is only 10, and you have been getting to bed after midnight for several weeks. Oh, and a baby is crying the whole flight. I think we all ended up sleeping almost 2 hours before we were awakened to eat breakfast! It was a bit strange having breakfast only a few hours after dinner. So here we are, sitting in Vienna at 9:15 in the morning, awaiting our flight to Skopje. More to come later!

So many changes...

and so few posts.  We leave the U. S. of A. in 2 days!  Can you believe it's gone so fast?  We were packed out last Tuesday.  I took tons of pictures to document the whole thing, but since we're working with Mike's laptop for the time being, I can't post them.  Our car left today.  We should see it in a couple months, hopefully in the same condition in which we sent it.  Mike is headed to the airport right now to get a rental that we'll use to help take us and our 10 checked bags and 8 carry-ons to the airport.  Luckily, our friend will drive our children, so we'll all get there.  Our bags are mostly packed.  I made Mike finally pack his stuff last night so we can see if everything fits without buying another suitcase.  It did!!!  I just don't think I could handle another purchase right now.  Suits are getting dry cleaned, and hair is being cut.  So many last minute things.  I finally realized I'm not going to have time during the day for a party, so we are celebrating Nick's birthday tonight with a few friends and cake.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we can swim first.  Nick's birthday is the 11th, but we promised him long ago that we would have his party before we left.  That promise was made when we thought we were leaving on the 18th.  My child has a really terrific memory, so here we are having a party.  It should be fun.  Ummmmm...  I think that's about it.  E-mail me if you want our new address.  We have 2.  One is Postal Service, and the other is for UPS and FedEx.  I promise I will post after we get to Skopje.  Love you all!!!

Lots of STUFF!!!

Here is a glimpse of our life right now.  This week, we had deliveries from UPS, FedEx, and shippers almost every day.  We bought a new piano, patio furniture, and a net to drive golf balls.  Yesterday I bought a 2 year supply of shampoo, soap, and toothbrushes and paste.  Today Mike and I went on a date to Costco.  We each filled a flat cart with stuff, paid for it, loaded it in the car, then went back in for more.  The next trip we filled 2 shopping carts.  I wish I would have taken a picture of the car packed to the gills.  I'm so thankful Aubree is willing to babysit, and that the seats all fold down.  If I hadn't just spent so much money, I would think our apartment was growing things overnight!  We go back tomorrow for the stuff we couldn't fit in the car today.  I'm tired, and I think my debit card had a heart attack earlier.

Here is a pile of stuff.

Here is the pile from a different angle.

Here is the pile behind the couch.  I didn't think to take the picture while the couch was pulled out.

All of this will be packed up on July 27th, so we don't have to live with it for too much longer!

Pictures from the wedding

I told you that I am a terrible blogger! For those of you that have been holding your breath, I'll finally get back to the wedding. It was beautiful! We set up in the morning, took pictures before the ceremony, then celbrated with a crowd! The chapel was so full, the family had to sit on the stand! When it was Arlene's turn to answer, she said, "Yes! Yes! YES!!!" The reception was fun with good food and good friends. Allie and Cami did an exceptional job on the flowers. Here are pictures so you can get a good idea.

The Beautiful Happy Couple!!!

All the Shaffer Family, and a portion of the Lines Family

The first dance!

The cake - not only beautiful, but SUPER tasty!

The centerpieces on each table.