"Cookie ... Play balls ..."

I went in to tuck my babies back under their covers (as I do everynight after they're asleep) but Jacob was very restless. When I was in there, he said "Cookie", then "Play balls". He finally settled himself down to sleep. I'm guessing that his dream had something to with Cookie Monster and playing pool.

I've been doing laundry and packing it into suitcases to get it packed tight into the van. We also had to get a bunk bed mattress and board packed into the van. Thank goodness for my brother-in-law, Rodney, who really has been taking care of us while we've been down here. He helped us get it into the van, then unpacked it when we realized that the brothers couldn't see each other the whole ride home. He move the seats in the van together and had to really squeeze the mattress and board into an even smaller space. He also spent some time looking over the car and checking the battery which seems weak, but believes it shouldn't cause me a problem tomorrow.

Saying Goodbye: It's really hard on the kids (Ethan, Macy, Jacob and Zack) to tell each other good bye, but they all gave each other hugs and kisses and were real sweet. Macy buckled herself into Jacob's car seat and said she was coming with me to Virginia. We had to say "byebye" to aunt Diane also whom they love especially at bathtime. Tomorrow is going to be rough when we say bye to my parents. We have been here 34 days. It went by so fast. (So fast that I missed out on a visit with Lynn Snyder - sorry Lynn!) I enjoyed talking with her today and she did have some encouraging words for Martha - she hopes that Martha enjoys her teaching (At WU) at least 1/2 as much as she does now.

The Drive Home: We'll probably leave around 10-1030 in the am. I mostly packed except for the last minute goodies. It will probably take us 7 1/2 hours to get home. (without kids, it's 6 h 15 min) I got books, snacks, and of course the DVD player! We'll keep you up to date! Thanks for your prayers!