10 states

Ok so...we havent been able to get on the internet at our new house yet, but we have discovered the local library, which has free internet, so I decided it was time to post these pictures and tell you about the move. The day after Matt and Julie's wedding, Aug. 2, we picked up the largest moving truck I have ever used, and spend Sunday and Monday morning packing. Thanks to John's parents, and Andy and Crystal, we were able to fit everything in...I wasnt sure we would need all 26 feet of the truck, but we did, so thanks Penske for the free upgrade. My parents came over on Monday morning to see us off, and we stuck to our schedule, and pulled out of the driveway at 10. The trip was slow going, since John could go only 70 in the truck. I managed to get pictures of each state sign as we crossed over. When we got to Pennsylvania, at 1 in the morning, we stayed at a very shady motel to get a few hours rest. Then as we were parking the truck, we realized that we didnt have a lock for the back of it, and believe me, it was not the type of neighborhood where we wanted to leave it unlocked. So, I set out in search of a lock, and thankfully found a gas station somewhere, somehow that was open and that had padlocks! We actually got some sleep and then left at 9 the next morning. The second day driving was much better than the first because we went through upstate PA, through some really nice mountains, into New York, again through mountains, not sure what they are called...maybe the Catskills....I tried to look at the maps and take pictures while I was driving...I dont recommend this in the future. When we crossed over into Connecticut, John decided it was time to actually use the rest area for what they are intended...the whole trip I had been saying "let's pull over and let Parker play; it will be nice to take a break". But, alas, the only one he wanted to stop at was on the New York Connecticut border...the last one...I guess if I had to drive that truck though I wouldnt want to waste time either. So, we stopped, and actually met an older couple from Ellenwood GA. Go Figure. After we stopped it took about 1.5 hours to get to the house. Needless to say we were very excited to be done with the trip. That was on Tuesday, the 5th. Since then we have been unpacking, exploring, sleeping and just generally enjoying our new neighborhood. One of my favorite things about this area is the lack of fast food places and chain establishments that seem to have taken over the south. I really appreciate the local businesses here. We are also near an establishment called Blue Back Square, which is similar to Atlantic Station, and which we have enjoyed walking through. The whole area is pedestrian and bike friendly. We went to price some bikes yesterday so we can start not using our car so much...I am hoping for one with a basket on the front! Next week I start working, orientation and such, and John will start preparing for school. We are starting to feel at home here and are really glad we made the decision to move here. Parker is starting to feel at home too. There is a park literally around the corner from our house, and he knows exactly how to get there...he could probably go by himself if we let him. We are getting Comcast to come our to house on Monday to do all of the hooking up that needs to happen so I will be updating more frequently in the future. Hopefully you can follow the sequence of the pictures below...I tried to put them in order...happy looking!