Washington, Where it Rains - A Lot.

Whew...we are almost caught up (almost).  After our fun time in Oregon with the Stockhoffs we finally decided we better go see our new home.  Home is a relative term...since we didn't actually have one at that time.  Army housing can be a little unpredictable.  Although we had put our names on the housing list (to live on post) several months ago...there was still a 2 month wait for the area we had requested.  There were, however, some homes available in another part of post...and there was no wait.  After viewing many homes off post and weighing all of our options we decided to take the one they offered to us.   The neighborhood is well kept and our backyard is beautiful green trees.  Seriously, the most wonderful view!  However, we had to wait about 5 days to get our stuff.   The movers had arrived before we had a home, and so they put all of our stuff in storage.  Needless to say we had to call to schedule a time they could deliver it, and that ended up being about 5 days later.  We were all happy to sleep in our normal beds when they finally arrived.  There is nothing like having your own belongings.

Here are some pictures of our house before the movers came.  This is when we were 'roughing' it.   I will take more pictures once I have everything in it's place (I am oh so close)...and you can see the difference.  I am happy with the progress...and happy with our little modest home.

In the second picture you can see our wonderful windows and the view outside.  The beautiful green is a result of all the rain...which I am getting use to, and beginning to love.

Here are a few other pictures after we got our stuff.  I found these on the camera (I didn't know Andy had taken them) and they about brought me to tears, tears of laughter.

PS. Don't mind Noah's snotty nose. haha

So funny, right?  haha I love it.

Lastly, Andy's sweet mother (who now only lives 2 1/2 hours away), came up to help us unpack.  Her favorite part, I am sure, was watching the kids for me while I got some things accomplished.  We really appreciated all her help.

This is us enjoying the park near our house...I LOVE this about our neighborhood.  So far, Washington is treating us real nice!

Welcome to the Pacific Northwest!

And the story continues....

After our fun time in Idaho Falls, Andy's dad came out to help us drive our cars the last stretch of the way.  We decided to finish the drive from Idaho to Andy's parent's house in Oregon in one day.  It was a LONG day, but really it went by more quickly than I anticipated.  The last 20 minutes of the 12 hour drive were definitely the longest, and we were just happy to be mostly finished with our drive.

Why were we in Oregon?  Well, each year Andy's grandma holds a golf tournament in honor of his late grandfather.  This was the last year they were holding the tournament, and also the first time Andy has had the opportunity to go.  So of course we had to make it.  It was such a great time, and even better since all of Andy's siblings (or their families) could be there.  Needless to say it was quite the party.  This was also the first time Noah met all of his cousins on the Stockhoff side.  It was chaotic, loud, busy but OH so fun.  (Beware, there are a lot of pictures). 

Noah has a faulty pair of jeans.  They are still a little to big around the waist and I just can't keep them on him...so sometimes he takes them off and runs around without them.  This was one of those times, and he was really enjoying it....

All the cousins together.  What a tender moment! 

Allice and I.  Best buds turned Sister In laws.

Other highlights of our time in Oregon...

Wild animal safari park, surprise Mother's Day gifts from Greg and Andy to Allice and I (our Britax Strollers!!),  Abby's Pizza, the Sizzler, Motel 8, Costco Yogurt, Nanny's yard lights and most of all...spending some QT with the Stockhoff Clan.  It was wonderful and we are so glad we were able to be there for it!  Hopefully the next 'reunion' is much sooner.