On the road

We're enjoying our time on the road. It's been a lot of ups and downs, but we really have had some great experiences. We've seen friends from high school to grad school, had the time to visit some interesting sites (aquarium, kids' museum) and enjoyed a whole range of experiences. It's still hard moving three little kids and two adults, but I think we are getting a little better at it. The kids like the novelty: new parks! new toys! new things to see! new people! Emily and I often joke that our experience of something and the kids experience is different. Driving down huge highways over gargantuan boats is a hassle for us, but for the kids it is just a lot of fun things to see. Packing in and out of a hotel is pretty terrible for the parents, but a lot of fun for kids. The car is now officially about filled up to the top. We had the back window clear, but with new blocks and books and clothes at our last stop, I think it's probably good this is our last stop before we get to our home for the fall. The kids are entertaining. They can say more and more words. Sam is increasingly mimicking our phrases ("this is not going to work," "Eli wants outside help," etc.). Funny. Eva and Eli are both expanding their vocab. They all liked the aquarium. Emily and Sam saw the 4D show while I played with the babies at an interactive area (they are at the age where we should probably get them some puppets). They all began to wear out near lunch, but then pepped up after some food. My dad had warned me the aquarium is up in prices, and it was expensive: $80 for three tickets, $20 for parking, $10 for movie. I think we should definitely take advantage of the zoo near Ginny's house while we are here and also look at more free DC stuff in the future. That said, I still remember visiting the aquarium when I was very little, so it must have left an impression on me. Another part of this trip was seeing my childhood home. I think if I hadn't known the address, I would have driven right by it. I saw the old schools, found my karate school, drove around. The church itself has really grown into a large congregation with a huge facility. It was fun to see. We're looking to be settled again in one place, even if only for a few weeks. I think we're doing as good a job as we could do at the things we are supposed to be doing, but it really is a lot of transition. Here's hoping that we continue in good health and good spirits.