Almost there!

Tonight, we are in Green River, Wyoming.  It's a cozy mountain town that seems to be on the verge of making the transition from a simple small western town to a "yuppy"-type river rafting hangout.  

The past two days on the road have been long, but fairly uneventful. We've driven through beautiful country and done so with little hassle.  Only two "hiccups" with vehicles so far. The UHaul needed oil added today and the new car's tire pressure light stays on which is no big deal. We've got it so loaded, it's probably tripped something. Jeff checked the pressure in the tires and it's fine. And, while I fumbled for the number to the Uhaul place,  Jeff popped up the hood of the Uhaul and took care of the oil ... nothing the guy can't do!

The dogs have really done well on the trip and also at the new hotels each night.  We will have to have Jeff's truck "detailed" when we get settled, though ... the dog hair is unbelievable. German Shepherds shed constantly and I am the privileged driver of the truck with the dogs :) Lots of sneezes!

Jeff is tired from driving the Uhaul through the mountains, etc. but we are both anxious to get to Pocatello, so adrenaline is getting us through. Thomas has continued to be an outstanding co-pilot with Jeff as well.  He slept a lot today which was great since I think he's gotten very little in the past few weeks.  We've enjoyed swimming at each hotel in the evenings, so he's had some physical activity to help him "wind down" from the long days in the car. He's a really "easy" kiddo to travel with ... likes conversation and to look out the windows and daydream.  He doesn't get bored easily. He just needs his "stuff" which is whatever he chooses to take in the car for the day so he can make a "nest" of his toys and such around him in the Uhaul.  I tried to get him to ride with me for a while, but there's no getting him out of the big truck ... he loves sitting up high in the front seat and being "dad's co-pilot." Good times.

We drive to Pocatello tomorrow and it should take about 6 hours with the "convoy" we have. We're looking forward to getting things set up and establishing our routines as a family once we're settled after this week.  There are several 4th of July events in the Pocatello area so maybe we'll have enough unpacked and have the energy to celebrate!

I'm also looking forward to setting up my office at the university once our house is in order. I've submitted one article and hope to have another started soon. I'll be working diligently to write and research in an effort to get tenure over the next few years. Once school starts, I'm hoping to write a lot during the day and spend the evenings with Jeff and Thomas which is a welcomed change in our routines. I will teach two classes: Supervision - Monday nights and Intro to Superintendency - Wednesday nights. On those days, I'm hoping to do a little volunteer work at Thomas' school or at least have lunch with him frequently since we won't see each other in the evenings.  I look forward to establishing a routine and focusing on Thomas and Jeff and my work. 

Another Pocatello "activity" we plan to get involved with is through the Episcopal Church which feeds the hungry every Sunday afternoon.  The meal is prepared by parishioners and available to anyone in the community. The three of us plan to volunteer to be a part of that each Sunday and I think it's a great way for Thomas to understand "service" and also witness those who are truly in need and what we as a family can do to help.  He's already a very empathetic child and I think he's ready for "the next level" of understanding and experience when it comes to societal issues. He knows "needs" are out there, so now he will know what it is like to do something and give of himself to help others and address the needs around him.

We'll be without internet for a few days until we settle and get services connected, so I'm signing out for a while. 

Thanks for sharing in our journey and I hope whatever you're doing, you're happy doing it!

Sarah