Forgot about this

Well, not really, I've just been neglectful.  The past year has been a crazy blur.  We are now stateside, but I'm pretty sure anyone reading this blog knows all about that by now.  So...not a lot of new to report to the ten readers that check in, all of whom are family or friends that I correspond with fairly regularly. But, since the whole point of this thing was to be a digital scrapbook and not a newsletter, I'm feeling really guilty about letting it go.  No excuses other than not being "into it".  Be warned, there will be lots of recaps of old events, and probably way too many pictures of Europe.  

In case there is a reader out there who doesn't keep up with us regularly and who finds us interesting or needs a little help to fall asleep right now, here is a recap.

Home in Belgium

Home in Washington.  See, it's not that bad.

Actually this is it.  About 4 miles up the road from that gorgeous water scene.  

Belgium was a little slice of heaven on earth, and we got to live it to the fullest for a glorious 34 months.  Obviously not every moment was glorious, because let's not forget we still have jobs and school and dirty dishes and sick kids and cooking and bills to pay, but who doesn't love all that when it's in Europe?  Well I did.  That experience was a dream come true and I didn't lose sight of that for a minute, and I hope those that know me realize that.  Not a second was taken for granted.  But, as all of us military families know, home is where the Army sends us (and NO, I do not have that on an Americana-themed plaque hanging in my kitchen), and the Army has been very, very kind.  I do need to give props to Brian though, who makes things happen and allows for us to have as stable of a military lifestyle as we can.  Anyway, thank you my dear for making that dream come true!  But, all good things must come to an end, other adventures are awaiting, and we had to make a choice.  Fort Lewis called offering Brian the job he only hoped to compete for the following year.  Just it was a year too soon (we had extended for a fourth year en Belgique).  We did our research, if there was a job opening in 2014 in Europe, we'd turn down Washington (tough) and stay in Europe as long as we could.  Alas, the prospects weren't great, and it would be a gamble that would probably deliver us to the likes of Fort Rucker or Fort Polk that next summer.  Not worth it!  We really wanted to end up in the Pacific Northwest to prepare for after Army life, so we took it.  And here we are for the last seven months.  I love this place, really, I'm certain it's the nicest area of the US.  I am a west coast girl though, and fully realize the east coast is lovely as well, but this is a better fit.  It has been wonderful to come back to our little town we loved before we left for our European adventure.  It feels like home here, it really does.  We're settling in and enjoying the ease and convenience that is the United States to an American.  I will do another post on re-entry culture shock, because it's real folks.  We have all reunited with old friends, gone to old favorite hangouts, and taken advantage of the two fab cities that are easy day trips.  The boys are back with their old scout groups, Kate's found a new Irish dance group, and Sam and Kate began soccer and love it.  We've got basketball, bagpipes, and soon a golfer and possibly a swim team member.  Everything here is so easy to be a part of!  Brian has a five minute commute!  Of course he has very long days, very long hours....this is a big job and a great one for him, hence the reason for this move.  I browse real estate often looking for the "someday house", leaning toward Olympia now but open to Seattle and love Portland.  It's easy here, it's comfortable, and we feel it's right.  However, there's that strong pull back to Europe, my gypsy heart just can't fully comprehend the idea of a "forever home".  There is too much out there is this world!  So...we're putting in for another tour over there beginning 2015, and if the job is available, and is the right fit, we're jumping on it.  Most likely Germany with a small chance of Italy.  If it doesn't work out, here we are and that's a good thing too.  I will stalk Rick Steves up the road until he hires me.  It will be good.  

Little Benders, first week in Washington 2006

Bigger little Benders, first week in Washington 2013