Moving - Part II

So the flight went much better than I expected it would, despite getting up at 3:45 to make it to the airport, the kids were very well behaved - even baby George.  

Anna caught up on her sleep on the plane.

Erik was there to meet us at the airport in DC.  

It felt so good to be together again.  Even though we had only been separated a couple days, during a time of transition, that can be an eternity.  Especially for us - we do not do well when separated.  The next couple of days were a complete whirlwind.  

When we got to our hotel they had brought us a fridge instead of a crib - Georgie wasn't pleased ;)

And because Erik traveled with all the things that the movers wouldn't pack, we had toilet cleaner in the closet, a guitar propped in the corner, and our mobile filing cabinet - aka box of papers - shoved on the desk.  (movers would have moved the guitar but that is Erik's baby) Needless to say, we were shoved in there like sardines. 

     George and I napped while Erik took the kids to the pool...for a nap... and then we found a dinner spot and had an outing :)

We packed a lot into DC day 1! The next day was just as packed...literally.  Our hotel was gracious enough to extend our check out till one and the temporary housing we were moving into allowed an early check in, however, WE HAD TOO MUCH STUFF! It took two trips to get the stuff to Oakwood.  It was while Erik and Ella were gone on trip one that 1:00 p.m. rolled around.  So Anna, George, and me  - along with the help of the nicest bellman loaded up the rest onto two carts, and headed for the lobby. We sat stranded at the Marriott, Falls Church, for about an hour.  It was an adventure, to say the least! 

when needed, the stroller makes
 a great luggage cart.

Erik and Ella got back and loaded us up to head to our new home. 

Can you find Anna? We looked like the Hillbillies!

After a major unload, we grabbed lunch and got read for a meet and greet that was for Erik and the entire 138th. It was a fun night and really good for Erik to meet his new colleagues. I think at that point it started sinking in that this adventure was gonna be even bigger than we thought.  Joining the foreign service is not just a career decision, its a life decision. If you have a family, it isn't one that you make alone, it's a family decision.  So far, no regrets.  I am extremely proud of the accomplishment that Erik has made, and I will continue to support this decision.  For now, I am really glad to be "settled" if our UAB will ever arrive. And I plan to enjoy every day, meeting new people, making memories with my family, and supporting my husband in the new venture. 

random photo session while getting some air at the meet and greet.