Rhode Island, finally

On August 26, we finally arrived in Newport, Rhode Island. Two days later we were moving in to our house! Our household goods beat us here and had been waiting for about two weeks. So that was easy to get delivered. Our movers had every intention of taking everything off their truck and hitting the road. Unfortunately for them, and me, they were informed of their responsibilities to unload, unpack, and reassemble everything. And then take all the paper, boxes and plastic AWAY... Well, they weren't too pleased about that, so they mumbled and grumbled and did it anyway. They unpacked and tossed everything pretty much, into crazy piles ALL over the house. They left and oops forgot to reassemble anything. So, three weeks later and it's getting there, but slowly. :)

We live in Middletown. Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth are all sharing this island that's 17 miles from top to bottom! It's a beautiful place with great adventures calling to us. Our church family was family before we even got here. All of David's brothers in the Navy have lived here before us, so we were expected and our arrival was anticipated. Kind of humbling, but wonderful to be so welcomed like that.

David was put right to work in Navy Band Northeast. He was made the Unit Leader for the Rock band called Rhode Island Sound. He's already been on the road twice and leaves again Wednesday to go play for the NASCAR festivities. I tease him that he's a great "boss". :)

Jacob started school at Forest Avenue Elementary School. Due to the lateness of our arrival and getting him registered, he was placed in a multi-age class. He's in second grade, but his class is combined with first graders and sometimes kindergarten. I was a little worried about this and had no experience with it, but so far, great. It's going to be a good year for him. His age group is called, "the pro's" of the classroom, and I think this way of teaching and having the older kids "tutor" the younger ones is going to fit him just fine! He also rides the bus, which kind of scared me at first, too, but he loves it.

Abby can't wait to start school. I'm looking into pre-schools and head start programs in the area. We'll get her going and ready for kindergarten next fall! Meanwhile, she has been a trooper and keeps busy while I try to set up this house!

Jackson turned One on August 31. He's such a little sweetie. We are all totally in love with him. He has discovered the step-tansu, our Japanese step chest. He thinks it's really funny to climb all the way to the top and look over at me. I usually catch him before he gets up there, but he's gotten past me a few times, and just laughs as I grab him down. What a character. He isn't walking yet, but moving around on anything he can hold. He's going to be going 100 miles an hour before we know it.

I am so thankful for the trip we were blessed to take. We lived in the car for about a month, but I have come to realize how wonderful simplicity is. I've been happy to get all our "stuff", but also happy to throw some of it out. It's been great to be here so far, starting fresh and meeting new people. It's been wonderful to see our family and visit the places that have touched our hearts. We can't wait to see what great new adventures are in store for us here. I'm glad we arrived when we did. The trees are starting to turn blazing reds and oranges. It is a place of beauty and history and fun!

This of course isn't the end of our adventure but only the beginning of a new chapter. So, for now the end of this extended blog post, but keep us bookmarked, there will be more to come!

If any of our loved ones are headed this way....our new green door is always open to you. See you next blog post! :)