But it's August, school hasn't even started yet, and I need to pull it together. It's been a little over a month since we left Colorado and I'm still processing what has happened and where I am. I've been sick the last couple of days, which has slowed me down and encouraged some reflection (and boredom - please kiddos, no more pretend games. I love you, but please no more.) Obviously, a lot happened this month, so I'm just going to throw down some random thoughts. I'm too scattered to fit them into a narrative, so bullet points will have to suffice.
What Was...
- Driving from CO to MD was fantastic. The kids did very well and we enjoyed seeing various sights and just being together.
- There is a Tim Hortons in Ohio. This made my Dad's day.
- This summer has seen Anna become very comfortable in water. So much so that she jumped into the deep end of a hotel pool without (a) knowing how to swim, (b) her life vest, (c) someone to catch her. A lack of heating in that pool also contributed to the overall negativity of the event.
- As expected, Kansas is very big and very flat. But it also had some of the most interesting sites (e.g., The Sternberg Museum which is super cool).
- Biggest road trip regret: We did not stop at the Russell Stover chocolate factory.
- Midwest churches seem to have a penchant for erecting extremely large crosses. These crosses seem to be made by the same company.
- The St. Louis Arch is spectacular at sunset. Driving away from the arch while viewing fireworks from a just-ended baseball game is highly recommended.
- I felt like the "Gateway to the West" really was a gateway for us. St. Louis was the midpoint of the trip, and I had a feeling of finality as we drove away.
- Somewhere in Kansas Jon's "check engine" light came on. Turns out it was nothing, but you can guess the subsequent mood that descended.
- Have you ever eaten dinner while surrounded by animatronic dinosaurs? You should, in Kansas City, MO.
- The National Museum of the US Air Force is huge. You could spend days wandering around, and I was thankful to have a large air conditioned space to run my children.
- We drove through that part of WV jutting northward. I cannot believe how beautiful it was. Took my breath away.
- Picking peaches and apples is one of my favorite eastern things to do, so I made a point of peach picking during our first weekend in MD. Strangely, the peaches didn't taste any better than store bought.
- The base and pedals on Jon's electric piano busted during the move. It is now experiencing phantom-pedal syndrome, stuck on the damper.
- Trees are beautiful, but I miss the sky.
- I like living in a smaller space - I think we're using each room more efficiently. Granted, about 25% of our belongings are stored in the basement, but it's nice to do more with less.
- It's hard to clean anything with both kids home all the time.
- We miss our friends. A lot.
- I am thankful for central a/c.
- I cannot overemphasize how difficult and expensive it is to register cars here.
- Both Jon and I are saddened by the respective lack of pecans and rice cakes at the markets in this part of the world.
- At least one kid has been ill ever since we arrived. Perhaps viruses are regional.
- Anna has lost two baby teeth in quick succession. Bravely, she allowed Daddy to remove both. She has a cute lisp now.
- Jon's commute is longer. We are adjusting.
- I feel "meh" about Anna's school. I hope it surprises me.
- I am sad that the kindergarten is full day. I'm not ready for that. And neither is Isaac.
- I pray for a good friend for Anna. A friend close in age that can keep up with her imaginative games and is a positive influence. For Isaac, I just pray that he doesn't hit anybody at preschool.
- Disneyland in November! It will be good to have some family time.
- I really really want to like it here. Moving is so hard. So I really want to like it here.
