Farewell Fort Belvoir…

2015 — Left: Charli and Stella by Washington Monument; Top Right: Mitch, Charli, Stella off GW Parkway looking over Potomac River; Bottom Right: Me, Stella, Charli first day in house before HHG arrived

I haven’t posted anything in seven months so I really appreciate you taking the time to read our update.  A lot has happened since last post — I went back to work part-time as a pediatric SLP for a private clinic, our youngest (MaryClaire) started daycare, our oldest (Charli) started Kindergarten, hubby started new position, I took on a long term sub position for Bodyflow at the gym on my off day(s), and things just kind of took off….much faster than I anticipated….much, MUCH faster than I anticipated.  Honestly, I think maybe I took on too much too soon but here we are…still marching on.  I’d be lyin’ if I said all days were rainbows and butterflies.  One thing I’ve learned is that there will always be ups and downs, its just important to not dwell too long on the downs (overheard that from a conversation between a preschool teacher and a 4-year old).

Anyways…we are at that time of year…PCS season!  And, it is our turn!

Quick recap, we moved to Fort Belvoir, VA four years ago in April 2015.  FOUR.  YEARS.  AGO.  I wasn’t a fan of the area when we first moved here…hated the cost of living, hated the traffic, hated the distance from family, hated the allergies, hated the traffic, struggled adjusting to being a SAHM, and strongly disliked the traffic.  Those were my feelings my first year.  Then… every year grew on me and began enjoying NOVA more with each day we lived here.  The DC area is remarkable with it’s history, museums, monuments, sporting events, beauty, cherry blossoms, vineyards, breweries, proximity to the beach AND city life (NYC, Gettysburg, Virginia Beach), etc, etc.  It is the nation’s capital for goodness sake and that in itself is pretty amazing!!!  The relationships and friendships we made have just been the icing on the cake.

So…after countless church visits, daycare changes, gym changes, hairstylist visitations (which I finally found the perfect one after 3 years), school changes, new friends (some have moved, some still here), new jobs, new baby – Sidenote: I still can’t believe Charli was only 1.5 years old when we first came here in April 2015 – it is here, it is our turn to leave…

We are officially headed to FORT LEAVENWORTH, KS this summer.

Last PCS to VA, we were without household goods for 2 months, and they lost an entire crate of our HHG that we never received.  We were so thankful for understanding neighbors who let us borrow towels and a few other necessities those two months.  We learned very quickly that “things” are just that — “things.”  Gosh, we’ve all made some good friends here and it will definitely be rough as I type this through burning (allergy stricken) tears to say goodbye for all of us.  Please pray and send good vibes that the transition goes as smooth as possible (or at least smoother than last PCS).  This summer will consist of a whole lot of paperwork, re-enrolling in schools/daycares, licensure transfers, changing doctors, finding dentists, enrolling in CYS activities, meeting new friends, finding a church family/etc., all while reminding myself that God is in control of each and every path that crosses.  Many of you military families have been through the PCS crazy train several times so tips and tricks are welcome!  We may never know why this life was chosen for us but one thing I sure do love about this life are the relationships made and paths we cross along the way.  I’ll stop rambling now…

Ready or not, Fort Leavenworth, KS here we come!

Left: Charli our first week here 4/15; vs. present; Right: MaryClaire newborn vs. present