The big move to Boston

Luke and the moving truck. Our stuff didn't take up the whole semi, just 1/2 of it.

For it being a big move across the country, there wasn't much hard work for us. We are so grateful to The Boston Globe/New York Times Company/The union for the amazing moving package that came with some great packers and the best semi driver (Bob) on the road today.

The packers and Bob came to the house two days before we were flying to Boston. They were able to pack at least 90% of our stuff the first day. The only things left out of boxes were the beds, an empty dresser drawer, a TV and a few clothes. They worked pretty much non-stop from 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. It was so weird watching them do all the work.

All of our stuff in boxes, including 3 boxes of Luke's CDs.

The next morning they arrived and began loading all of the boxes and packing up the beds. Then it was time to load Luke's car. The movers made a teeenytiny "garage" for the car and Bob drove it into the semi using two skinny ramps. That was the most nerve-wracking thing I'd ever watched. My car is en route on one of those semis with multiple cars on it. Hopefully we will get it sometime this weekend.

The inside of the semi. Luke's car went in the empty space.

The movers took off around 3 p.m. with all of our stuff and we were left to our empty house, a computer and a half of a bottle of wine to polish off. We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening watching Glee and SNL clips on Hulu. Hamilton spent his time on the item of comfort he had left: his while towel.

Hamilton enjoyed spending time on top of the mattress and box spring.
The last day, Hamilton slept on his towel.

My cousin, Sarah came to take us to a hotel near the airport. To return the favor, we had plenty of perishable food and household cleaning items to give her. We stuffed the 7 pieces of luggage and Hamilton into the truck and said our goodbyes to Sarah. :( The hotel was disgusting and we were thankful to only be there for 8 hours.

We got to the airport the next morning and immediately found the sky cap for Southwest. There was no way we were going to be able to lug 7 pieces of luggage and an animal through a winding maze of people. After generously tipping the Southwest worker and asking them to be very (VERY) gentle with the Mac computer, we made our way to security. Hamilton had to get out of his carrying case so the airport security could run it through the x-ray machine. Poor cat was so scared, but he was calm and didn't make a noise. The flights to Chicago and Boston were smooth and on time, and Hamilton did amazing. No bathroom mishaps and no screeching kitty noises. He's a trooper.

Hamilton at Phoenix International Airport wondering what the heck we are doing.

Then came the fun part: Getting all of our luggage off of the carousels and then to the rental car bus. We found a cart and made it just in time for the bus. Luke grabbed a car and we were off to find the apartment. Traffic was nice and our corporate housing assistant was at the entrance with the keys. He showed us around a little and then we collapsed. We were so thankful to be in Boston and to have so many people help us on our journey.