and then we lost our minds

Recently we were presented with a fantastic opportunity to live in Maui for a few years and for my husband to be able to keep his job.  Of course we are thrilled, I mean, who wouldn't be.  After the excitement settled in, I started doing a little bit of research and planning which turned into the whole, what are we getting ourselves into panic.

Don't get me wrong, we are still over the moon about the opportunity but now that the dust has begun to settle, I am working out the logistics that are required for such a large move.  The first hurdle is "shipping" seven animals, ensuring no one dies and successfully making it through the handbook of quarantine requirements.  I'm pretty sure we both had sticker shock after we added up all of the various "shipping" and quarantine expenses.  Hell, we have $500 worth of dog kennels sitting in our bedroom right now that they won't even enter!  Then comes the question of what to do with our house--hold onto it or sell it, the living situation in Maui, our family and aging grandparents, and well the list goes on and on.  Some days I am totally on the fence about it but fear that I would regret not jumping on it (which I think would end being the case), while other days I am inspired and ready for the challenge.  I suppose these are the realities of someone consumed by wanderlust.

This past week/end we began the first step of the rabies quarantine process (Hawaii is a rabies free state which is why you have go to through this rigamarole).  We took the seven animals to the vet in two trips and everyone got their rabies shots.  I am pretty sure the vet staff thinks we are nuts.  I was only able to snap the few pictures below because the dogs were out.of.control. and they required the use of two hands at all times.

...and we're off...screaming and growling!

Husband providing moral support (I don't "do" shots).

This is seconds before he chomped down on my finger while trying to escape.

Our target move date is September and there is so much to get done between now and then---all very exciting and scary!  I'll share details as things move along.