week one.

Have we only been in Virginia for one week? What a week it's been! Here're some highlights:

While Cody and Otto drove and co-piloted the U-Haul-pulling-the-car rig, Wyatt and I flew up to Virginia, sparing him excessive time in the dreaded car seat. During our 3-hour-turned-6-hour layover in Atlanta (our plane had mechanical issues with its wing; I'm so thankful it was caught when everyone was still on the ground!), he sat on my lap, ate cantaloupe, looked out the window over the runway, and laughed every time a luggage car or bus or truck passed by; he squealed when a plane taxied past. Wyatt absolutely loved the airport and he did so amazingly well.

We've settled into our townhouse (minus two boxes of random decor items and over a dozen boxes of books) and are so thankful God provided this place. We found it on Craigslist and mailed the security deposit, sight unseen, but it is perfect for us. It's the only one with a yard and it has the most trees nearby, providing lots of shade. Our boys love playing in the grass. Another perk is that the bedrooms are on the second floor, so when I open the shades in Wyatt's room, he's eye level with birds perched in the evergreens' branches. Our boy loves his birds. It's also located in such a convenient part of town! The university, downtown, an amazing playground, and a grocery store are all within walking distance!

My older sister Jenny came to help us move in and she was such a blessing, unpacking boxes, entertaining Wyatt, doing dishes, hauling trash to the dumpster...I'm so thankful for her serving spirit!

On Friday, we attended an outdoor concert downtown.

On Monday, we took Wyatt on his first hike. The trail meandered through a forest, alongside a creek, and Wyatt kept looking all around, trying to take it all in, and squealing with delight. His sweet sound, along with the sound of the creek flowing and the birds singing and the sight of the bright green trees stretching towards the blue sky...creation was praising its Creator and it was so beautifully overwhelming.

On Tuesday, we drove to the orchard where Cody will be conducting his research. I had to take a picture of him with his baby boy and baby trees; I'm sure they'll be looking a lot different in four years, at the end of his PhD program!

I've been reflecting on how God's providential hand has been so evident in this new adventure. Neither Cody nor I would have ever imagined we'd be living in Virginia as Cody pursues a PhD, but we are so grateful that God led us here in His perfect timing.

There are hills and mountains and cooler temperatures and dirt and grass and windy back country roads and fireflies and old red barns...this is our home now and my heart is so happy.