14 October 2009

12 October 2009

The Move

Ok! We are up and ready for business! I am going to try and catch up on some posts, and they will probably end up coming at random times in random order. But here is a little view of what we've done the last two weeks.

I was in Utah for ten days before heading back to Virginia, and I was able to see a lot of friends to say good-bye, including some friends from my old job.

We went to get sushi with my sister Whitney.
Bria loved the sushi-- seriously.

Sam drove our car out so Bria and I could fly. Even though the flight wasn't exactly what I call fun, I think it was probably a lot better than spending four days in the car with Bria. We took a picture of Sam and Bria before the big drive.

We said goodbye to Elisa and Matt.


We said goodbye to my parents, and there were lots of tears. I think my mom was hoping I would never move away from her-- and let's be honest-- she was hoping I would never take Bria away from her even more.


We finally made it to Virginia!


Here's a picture of our kitchen. Everything in the entire apartment is brand-new! I love it.
We are still unpacking, but Sam's sister-in-law came over with her four kids yesterday and helped us put away so much stuff. Thanks Jenn, David, Amanda, Myles, and Colin! We seriously couldn't have done it without them. (Obviously this picture is before they came.)


Sam started work today, so we will definitely feel like we have a routine soon. Bria and I have some pretty serious colds, but I think we're on the up-and-up. Bria has had a little bit of a rough time adjusting to her new room and new crib, since she is used to sleeping in the dark, quiet, enclosed space of a closet. But I'm hoping she gets used to it quickly.
We are so happy to be here, and we can't wait to see what kind of adventures await us!

10 October 2009

We're Alive!

We made it to Virginia in one whole piece (actually, three separate, whole pieces). We are slowly wading out of the boxes, and we think one day we might even feel sane again (maybe when Bria adjusts to the new apartment). Sam starts work on Monday, and I can't wait to start exploring this great city! Some day I'm sure I'll unpack my camera cord and post some pictures of all our adventures over the past couple months. Until then, you can just imagine us here and come up with some stories for what we're likely doing: eating dinner with the Obamas, swimming in the Potomac, busking at the Metro, and repelling down the Washington Monument. There's so much to do in DC!

01 October 2009

On the move . . .

I cannot believe it is already October-- I feel like it should still be summer. Do you realize this means that Thanksgiving is next month?! I'm in shock.
We are in the moving trenches. We found an apartment we are happy about (in Alexandria, VA), and now we are in Utah, packing our stuff and saying good-bye. I have about a billion pictures to post and stories to tell, but my brain is still on overload, functioning on survival mode, so it will have to wait a couple week until we start to get settled.
Here is a little sneak peek of what's to come. Wish us luck on our great journey across the country.
Bria at the beach in Santa Cruz, CA, with sunblock in her hair

24 September 2009

Positive Thinking

It's been a while since I've put up a real post-- things have been a little crazy around here. I left my camera cord in Utah, so I also haven't been excited to post anything without pictures. But my brain is on overload from figuring out all the moving details, so I thought I would take some time to write about some of the good things going on to help dissipate the stress.

Sam and I are having so much fun with Bria. It has been so great to be back together, and we have also been having a great time being so close to the two of Sam's brothers who live out here, Marc and Matt. Bria is constantly saying new words, and one of her favorite things to say is "doggy," which applies to any animal or sound that could be coming from an animal. Bria is also having a blast with her cousins, and I think she is going to be pretty bored once we get into our own apartment.

Speaking of which, we're still looking for an apartment. We are getting pretty close to choosing one, and then I think I never want to move again. Finding housing has been so stressful. I'm going to admit something I never thought I would say: I have found myself actually missing Provo. The security and stability of living in a nice, inexpensive apartment in an area where I am comfortable sounds so very appealing right now. The options of places to live in and around D.C. are so endless, my brain is about to explode.

We have just a couple days left before we go back to Utah one last time. It's strange to think our real life is going to begin here in just a couple weeks. We can't wait! And then I can finally put some pictures up on the blog, and maybe even a video of Bria dancing, spinning in circles, or shouting "DOGGY! DOGGY! DOGGY!"

19 September 2009

Finally!

It's official! We are moving to Washington D.C.! (well, probably northern Virginia, but whatever.)

Sam was offered a position as an assistant editor at National Geographic. Sam is finishing up his short-term contract at NatGeo next week, then we will have just enough time to head to Utah, pack up our stuff, then drive back out here for Sam to start his job next month. Today we drove around looking at apartments, and we'll keep looking all next week. If anyone has any pointers on finding housing, particularly in the DC area, we'd love your advice!

We are so excited to move out here and start this great new stage in our life. It's been a long-time coming, and we can't wait!

02 September 2009

Four Years

When Sam and I started dating in March 2005, we saw each other every day until December 2006, when we were apart for one day. Over the last two and a half months, we have been apart more than we have been together. This summer has been really tough, but we have learned a lot. Even though we are apart on our anniversary this year, we've never felt more together.


Engagement pictures

Wedding Day: September 2, 2005


(Bria and I are off on a month-long vacation to visit my sister and brother in California and to visit Sam in Virginia. Wish me well on the six flights with a 16-month old this trip will entail. See you in October!)