I started this post in May; it is now the beginning of August. Such is life these days. During that time, we packed up our lavender Charlottesville home and settled into a tiny brick house in Del Ray, a wonderful little neighbhorood in Alexandria, Virginia. Though we moved from Virginia to Virginia, this move felt more drastic — and perhaps a little more unsettling — than others.
Perhaps this move ruffled my feathers because it is our fifth move in five years. I feel D.O.N.E. with moving for a while.
It seems only yesterday that I titled a post, “Farewell, Alaska.” Indeed, it was just over one year ago that we journeyed from Anchorage to Charlottesville.
As with every move, we were sad to leave our friends behind but excited to make our new home. Reeves and Hickory have been champs and are adjusting especially well to their new backyard.
Charlottesville
Backing up, an update on life in Charlottesville…
When we first arrived in Charlottesville, I was hopeful that I’d find a job, ideally part-time. I never found anything that was the right fit for me. In the end, I am so glad. Our time in C’Ville was an amazing nine months for me and Reeves. We were so blessed to stumble accross a wonderful playgroup with whom we’ve been meeting every week since August. We have also done weekly music, tumbling, and art classes.
At nearly 20 months, Reeves is a true toddler now. He is determined, spirited, vocal — so vocal! — and loving. Perhaps what’s so golden about this age is that I can demand a hug or a kiss — even mid-tantrum — and he does it. Melts my heart. Will has also taught him how to scratch his back during family time in bed. Might get me off the hook…
Reeves is a wildly active little guy, and by far his favorite activity, which he asks to do every five minutes, is to “walk, walk.” (He does this while flapping his arms like a chicken… no idea where that came from.) In fact, from the moment he could talk he said something similar to: “Shooshoowaaa.” We finally realized he was saying, “Shoe, shoe, walk!” When he wants to go outside, he brings our shoes to us — often trying to put Will’s flip-flops on for him — and insists we “walk.” He loves to be outside, and for that we are grateful.
Another obsession: vacuming.
Last time I posted, Reeves still had little hair. He has now turned into a little towhead. We see whisps of red hair from time to time, but as the summer has progressed his hair has only gotten blonder.
Travels
Last spring, we took a trip to San Antonio to visit family and witness the baptism of our sweet nephew, Jacob.
Playing with Daisy in Grammy and Bop’s backyard
Then, after moving (dumping) our belongings to Alexandria, we flew out to Seattle for a visit before facing the music of settling in.
We hit up all of our favorite places: Discovery Park, Whidbey Island, a sailboat trip in Lake Union, and of course, Reeves’ first M’s game!
Reeves adored spending time with his cousins on both trips.
R looooved the Mariner Moose!
It was indeed hard to say goodbye to that gorgeous view!
Reeves
Reeves’ true love in life now is trains, or “choo choos”! Not a car ride passes without him asking whether we’ll see a “choo choo;” not an evening goes by without him asking to watch a “choo choo” video; and not a day goes by without him playing on his “tracks,” the amazing train table his grandparents sent.
Incidentally, we could not be living in a better place for a train lover. Alexandria was once home to the busiest train yard in the country, Potomac Yard. Although many of the rail lines are now gone, we frequent a new park that is adjacent to the Amtrak and Metro lines. When one sits in the swing, he happens to get the perfect view of trains coming down the track.
The big news around here is that I got a job and Reeves started school (daycare)! We are both a bit terrified about the changes, but I think it will be great for us both.
I leave with with a shot of our evening “truck watch” at the new house.
Are We Home Yet? 