The President's House

Yesterday (Thursday the 27th) we made our first trip into D.C. Danny was so excited to see the White House. Specifically, he wanted to play on the lawn and tell the president about the corn fields we saw on the way. Isn't the innocence of childhood great? If only he could. In reality, I think he was totally unimpressed. We also went to the Whitehouse Visitor's center and the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum. So much fun! It took us a little over 30 minutes to get there on train, plus a 15 minute drive to the Metro station. We will definitely be going back again soon.

College Park Aviation Museum

Last Sunday we made a field trip to the Aviation Museum. Such a perfect small museum with lots of fun things for Danny to do. Because the house wasn't ready and there is only so much unpacking we can do, we are trying to get the kids out of the house. It is especially difficult because the weather is so yucky. Danny just doesn't understand why he can't go outside and play, so we have resorted to indoor educational pursuits.

Moving Stinks

There's just no way to say it...moving stinks. Especially when you are moving to an area with 98 degree heat with 90% humidity. We've been here over a week and I still haven't adjusted (will I?).

Right now I am at a Panera (yes, they have one of my favorite places only 15 minutes away!), where there is free wireless. Unfortunately, I have been without e-mail/internet for over a week. I can't even tell you how many times I have gone... "I should check their hours on the internet..." or "I can find out online" only to remember that right now, there is no online! Hopefully next week. So those of you who have e-mailed, sorry, it will take me a little while to get back to you!

The move has gone ok. As far as stuff, we have done just fine. Everything (except the car) arrived in a timely fashion and safe. Even the car is now here safely and it is great to know the worst is behind us. The landlord of our house didn't exactly have the place ready for us when we arrived, so we haven't really been able to unpack. I have just unpacked the kitchen.

Our house is great. Randy did such a good job! I'll feel even better when the last details are taken care of, and I can unpack. I have found all of my local favorites... Target, Chick-fil-A, Quiznos, Best Buy, and Michaels. The kids are great. Danny is making the adjustment, but it must be a little weird for him. We miss you all!

Happy Girl

Here is our happy little girl!

First Swim

Annelise had her first swim yesterday. I stayed in the pool with her for about 45 minutes. The Hood River aquatics center has a therapy pool that is kept at a very warm temperature, plus it is all covered, so no worries about the sun! I think we will have another kid that enjoys swimming!

Well, well, well....

I am no longer a California resident! Yesterday, I got on a plane with the kids, left and now will only return as a visitor (unless some day we decide to move back, although I can't imagine that now!). I really can't even believe it.

So many firsts and lasts happened yesterday. Lasts... In-N-Out (while still living in CA), departure from the Orange County airport, walk through our tiny little apartment (into which both of our children were born), waking up to "the stomper", loading up the kids in the Verano parking lot, lugging that infant car seat all the way to our apartment, coin operated laundry (hopefully... at least at our residence!) and more! Firsts...Annelise's first flight, my first flight alone with both kids (much harder than just Danny!), feeling overwhelmed at the craziness that is ahead (and still overwhelmed at the craziness that I just left).

We aren't in Maryland, yet! Danny, Annelise and I are in Hood River. Randy is finishing things up in Irvine (it is amazing how much easier it is to work without the kids and wife around!). Our car and books are on their way to Maryland. Tomorrow, our stuff will leave Irvine. Randy will arrive in Oregon on Saturday and then on the 19th all of us will fly across the country!

Unfortunately, I have no pictures to document our departure. Just imagine lots of boxes and junk!