And a new adventure begins

JB, Scrubs, and Isaac departed early on Friday morning. It was surreal walking away from the military airport on Base and knowing that the next time I saw my husband, we'd be in another country -- arriving at different airport and going to our new home.

Sarahbee was there with her husband Dan and their little boy Peter. They were PCS'ing on the same flight. The boys played as if it was just another day. They read books. Threw stuffed animals high in the air. Giggled. Held hands. We tried to ignore the thought that is in all of our minds: that these are their first friends. And in a matter of hours, they won't see them again for a long, long time.

We went over the details many times as a family. Isaac was going with Daddy. Elijah would go the next day. Peter was going to North Dakota. We won't see him for a long time. Isaac was going to help Daddy with Scrubs. Elijah would help me with Abigail. Noah and Rowan are already "in Japan." William will be going back to "the States" as our world-traveller Isaac called the location the other day. Aksel and Mia are going to be moving to the USA too. Other friends will be staying in Turkey for a few more months (a year?) before it is time for them to leave too.

Mr. Shane came by. He gave us a hand with Scrubs. Darn dog has such a stinkin' huge kennel it has to be pushed sideways on one of the luggage carts. This means that if Scrubs shifts too far to the back or the front, he'll tip over. We cut him off of food and water the night before. Pooped and peed him at the last minute. Once we got everything settled, I thanked Shane and told him he didn't have to stay. But he wanted to. Jake and Shane share a lot of JB's interests. They are good friends.

I went back to the hotel. Put Abigail down for a nap. Went to the park with Stebbs. Ran errands with Patty & Yamil. Checked the mail one last time. Went into the BX one last time. Hugged Hatice one last time. Said a lot of good byes. Avoided a lot of good byes.

It's Saturday morning now. Very early. And it is my turn now. Elijah, Abigail, and me are outta here. I am happy. I am ready to end this long good bye. I am sad to say good bye to Stebbs who still has five weeks here. I am going to miss so many people. But it's time.

Good bye Sweet Turkey! Hello Portugal!