Okay, the month of June had so many emotions! I’d love to share with you what I have been up to and what our family did this month. 

After a tragic start to the month after the death of my uncle/godfather, I did get to spend time with lots of family. Grief is so difficult. I was heartbroken along with my entire family. I was grateful to still be living in Chicago, near the family, during all of it. I knew that the second half of the month would be a whirlwind!

The kids had a great end of school party and wrap up of 1st and 3rd grade. So many goodbyes. We loved the school, especially the people. I knew that leaving the school would be a tough part of our move to Florida. Everyone was so kind and wanted to see us one more time before we left!

Then, the next day, my husband retired from the Chicago Police Department after 27 years of service. It was such a relief to have him home and healthy. We know so many tragic incidents for officers, we feel deeply blessed. We will always be a proud law enforcement family, now from the comfort of our home. I am so proud of him and all he has endured. Now, we are ready for our next chapter and relaxing in our dream home in Florida. 

Truly, in my organized, planning-way, I had spent months planning the move and what we needed to take with and what we didn’t (um, so many closets had items I hadn’t seen in years, LOL!). I have been following Dawn on the Minimal Mom for about 2 years, so I used her guidebook and just took it room by room. We donated regularly to Amvets and Goodwill. We found friends and neighbors who might need the items. It was teaching the kids generosity - it was sweet to hear them come up with ideas for who should get what old toy or household item. 

We are so grateful for our friends Billy and Lauren who came by (and saved our butts) by helping us pack up all of the final items! We had a plan set in place, we would pay for movers (there was no way we could load and unload this house!!). We would drive the van down to Tampa, FL and meet the movers at the new house. Oh - crazy moment  - as we were closing up the moving truck - all of our things did not fit. Seriously. All of our lamps were sitting in the backyard, our grill, a variety of lawn tools, toys and other weird bulky items - they did not fit in the end of the moving truck. At first I was sick, then, as if a calmness from my uncle’s spirit - it’s only stuff. You don’t need it. And what we do need, we’ll buy for the new house. Whew, ooook!

Oh, did I tell you that we bought the house from Facetime videos with our real estate agent?! Wow, I really never thought we would do that. The real estate market moved so quickly in Florida. We had lost out on several homes and loved this one. Yes, risky, but truly, we relied on the real estate team and the Home Inspector to give us all the details, so there were not any surprises. 

After about 22 hours in the van, we arrived in the Tampa Bay area! It was sunny with blue skies and the palm trees in front of the house swaying! I felt like we were in a movie. We slept on the floor for the first night - oh geez - then the next morning the truck arrived!

I love this area, so full of nature exploring for the kids! The kids even spotted their first alligator! We arrived at the end of June and found the neighborhood pool refreshing and a great way to unwind from the unpacking. 

We have been dreaming of moving to Florida for years. I am so excited and proud of us. We did it! There was so much changing and going on in the month of June. We are so blessed. So many adventures ahead in our new life in Florida!!

Upcoming book in 2022 by Kathryn Gardner ~ Find Tranquility on Your Family Trip: Rest, Recharge and Connect on Your Family Trip. Plus 100 Christian Family Travel Activities

So glad you are on this journey with me to go from stressed to refreshed! Find your tranquility today! 

Be well and God bless,

Coach Kathy

Kathryn Gardner, mom of 2, police wife, and Therapist specializing in the wellness of moms & Certified Health Coach moved with her family to Tampa, FL to be near the ocean and explore the health benefits of nature. Her passion is helping stressed moms find tranquility! Check out TranquilityMoms.com for the latest blog post and YouTube video. She posts encouraging messages on Instagram and Facebook.

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