Monday, May 27, 2013

Packing It In

Time is ticking. We have 5 weeks left in Las Vegas, and one of those weeks Nate and I will be in Hawaii. We have a lot to do before we leave...both work and play. I feel like we have had to make so many big decisions in the past few months, and I am thankful that things are slowly coming together. Where should we live in DC? Which house should we rent? How much should we sell our home for? Should we move ourselves or have the Air Force do it? When is the right time to have another baby? And those are just the big ones.

One morning I got on Craigslist to continue our hunt for a house to rent. I had spent hours and hours and hours looking the past few months. It's not that there's nothing available, but it's hard to know when to say, "Okay, let's rent this one." Most homes are small and expensive. Anyway, after expanding our search to some other cities, I found what we think is going to be a great fit for us in Derwood, MD. The landlord is thrilled to have tenants after only having it posted for 3 hours, and we are thrilled to have found the place. Here's the backyard we are looking forward to: 

We go to the park almost every day after I pick up Natalie from kindergarten. It hasn't gotten TOO hot yet, so I can almost always count on a beautiful day to play outside.

 The kids didn't have school on Friday. I knew we would need to go somewhere in the morning, or I would go crazy without my normal daily routine. We decided to go to the somewhat creepy but lovable Natural History Museum. This photo was Jansen's idea.

 I'm somewhat obsessed with ancient Egypt. Natalie had to be persuaded to come through this exhibit because it kind of freaked her out.


Nate worked all night Friday and only got a couple hours of sleep. He really wanted to go hiking Saturday morning though so we drove up to Red Rock. I love him and his ability to run on little to no sleep. My morning was much better with him in it. 

After hiking we ate at a place I have been meaning to take him for a long time. It's called Viva Las Arepas, and they have authentic Venezuelan food. It's in a nasty part of town, but that was part of the fun. Nate was so excited to get a "malta," which is disgusting.

The kids had ketchup and french fries and water. All Americans.

 Saturday night we got a babysitter and went to the temple. It was just what we needed during this time of change and decision making.

11 comments:

Lindsey said...

Jess, I love you. I love reading about your life. I can tell you how much I know EXACTLY what you are going through with all the decision making you have to do. It is so painful and draining. You are such a good example to me. Good luck with your decisions and the move. Your new backyard looks awesome btw!

Knudson Family said...

I am going to miss you Jessica! I'm glad I've gotten to meet you and your wonderful family! On another note, you made me laugh with the creepy natural history museum. We just went there...and well...at least there isn't ever very many people there.:) The Egypt exhibit was awesome though.

Kent said...

I am so nervous about next year for us. we will be in the exact same situation as you! only we have to add- what 20 bases to rank!! babies. houses, moves! ahhhh! you are making me anxious :) looks like lots of your decisions are panning out perfectly, though! good luck. hawaii- huh? sounds AWESOME! I'm very jealous! we are pretty sure that we'll rank nellis- and mt. home- and a few local bases just so we can use family to babysit kids and we can go on vacation!! do you guys know any of the peds people there very well? any members??

Kent said...

that was me- leisy- not kent :)

Lara H. said...

I seriously love your blog, and you guys. Good luck in all your new endeavors. The yard at your new place is amazing!!

Lara H. said...

I seriously love your blog, and you guys. Good luck in all your new endeavors. The yard at your new place is amazing!!

Lara H. said...

I seriously love your blog, and you guys. Good luck in all your new endeavors. The yard at your new place is amazing!!

Annie said...

I think it's important you know that if I was in the ancient Egyptian exhibit with you I would have sang "Walk Like an Egyptian" made popular in the eighties coordinated with complimentary choreography. Because I honestly think a natural history museum is the perfect setting to dance like nobody's watching if ya know what I mean.

Annie said...

Also if you are going to have that massive lawn I feel as your frien I need to tell you that your current lawn mower, if I may even call it that, will probably not be sufficient for the job. I think you should sell it. See! There's one big decision totally made! I can help you with others if you need. You have my number.

Anonymous said...

What a cute picture of Emmy. Like it belongs in a ad magazine for children's swimwear. I'm glad I will see them all soon. These cute pictures always become my computer background. Thanks for the resource.

Ali said...

My mom & I are just glancing at your adorable posts and she just said, "Her kids are just as adorable as she is!" :) Love ya lots J!!