The Great Journey to the Pacific Northwest (We are not Lewis and Clark...)

Hello out there in Blogger land!

How long has it been since I posted?!  Definitely not as long as the previous time (which is a positive thing).

We finally arrived from our 'hundreds and hundreds' of miles cross country move via Augusta, Georgia to Fort Lewis, Washington.  Many of you readers can relate, especially in regards to having an infant in tow.  That was a precious journey, that I'm sure a plane ride will cure the next move'round.  We saw so many beautiful sites along the way, including many national monuments.

Lilianna is Superman, for a second, outside a rest stop in Metropolis, Illinois

Lilianna and I outside of the Arch in St. Louis

Blake, Lilianna, and I at Mount Rushmore

Once we arrived in Washington, we were beat!  We took a few days to visit a few places, like:
Pike Place Market
Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Seattle
Steilacoom
Tacoma
Baja Fresh (for Blake!)

Most notably, one of the best views any resident, and visitor for that matter, has the pleasure of seeing on a daily basis is Mount Rainier!

(photo courtesy of Haley Smith)

Just a few more exciting things we have had happen while here, so far:

• We stayed in lodging for approximately 52 days, and now feel sorry for people who have to stay longer than a week.
• I FINALLY landed my first teaching job!  I teach a class of 30 wild, but outstandingly talented fifth graders!!!
• Lilianna has hit quite a few milestones: crawling, standing, gliding, first tooth, many noises, bumps and bruises, first foods, and formula
• Haley moved with us and she found a job in no time (two jobs actually) and has also made quite a few new friends who have made her feel incredibly comfortable while being in a new place!
• Lastly, Blake and I decided to buy our own home .... sometimes you never know where life will take you but with your loved ones by your side the journey is 100% worth it!!

God Bless RachJ