There's no place like home?

We finally made it!  After 55 LONG days, we are now settling into our new place in Elizabeth City NC!  The movers came Saturday and delivered our HHG (Household Goods for those that do not know military acronyms).  So far only a few things were broken, nothing major, but all can be replaced ( I think). 

For the past 2 days we have been unpacking, unpacking, unpacking....seems like it will never end.  The house we moved into is bigger sq ft wise, but we lost A LOT of storage space.  So right now we are trying to figure out what we can live without.  Things just aren't fitting in this house like in our last.  Our dining room table is too big for this house, so we had to purchase a new table.  Our curtains didn't go with this house either, so we had to get new ones.  And because this house has a FROG, our living room furniture went there (Chason calls it the man cave) and we had to buy new living room furniture.... darn!  ;)

All in all, I will say it has been the most stressful move we have made by far!  It was a hard one for the kids too.  Seven years is a long time in a child's life.  They are adjusting well though.  Ashlyn was able to attend  DMI nationals in Myrtle Beach and started dance classes with Denise Wall's Dance Energy the day we arrived in Virginia Beach.  She was hesitant at first, but is loving every minute of it.  Chason is having a blast hanging with his cousins and has picked up a new hobby....skateboarding.  He was happy to learn that there is a skate park, driving range and disc golf course 2 minutes from our house!  

As for me, I will admit, I DO NOT LIKE CHANGE!  I, however, will adjust.  I take it one day at a time.  I miss my friends back in Mobile (Semmes), but am so happy to be back near home.  Y'all know you are always welcome to visit!!!!    Anyways, here are just a few pics I took this weekend.  Hopefully I'll be able to update this blog soon with pics of the house unpacked!  ;)

The movers delivering our stuff.

Living room

 

 The Garage

 Master Bedroom

 Chason's room

Are we moving or camping?

Well, the movers were here M,T,W this week and have taken all of our stuff.  We tried to gather everything we didn't want the movers to take, all in one room.  Unfortunately we forgot a few things...can opener, cork screw, beach towels, goggles, sunscreen.  Thankfully, it is all items that we could buy.  Now we will have double (or triple, it may have happened before, oops) once we get to NC.  But for now, we are camping out in our home.  Brian finished his last day of work yesterday.  We've got a few more things to close up on and we should be headed out Tues or Wed.  Praying for smooth sailing!!

They're here!

Chason checking out the truck

Camping out in the living room, watching tv

Tucker and Willow patiently waiting for the movers to leave.

Willow exploring.

Recital 2013

Yesterday was Ashlyn's last recital at Melinda Leigh's Performing Arts Center.  She has attended this studio for 6 yrs and has made some wonderful memories and lifelong friends.  We are so lucky to have found them.  Ashlyn has learned so much from Melinda and Anna.  We are really going to miss our dance family when we leave.  Thank you again for everything you have done for her.  You are a big part of who she is.  There is no doubt in my mind that Ashlyn will continue to dance...you have given her a strong foundation.  :)

A Day to Celebrate!

After several years of hard work, Brian was promoted to CWO2 (Chief Warrant Officer 2) on June 1, 2013.  The swearing in ceremony took place June 3rd, this past Monday.  A little late getting these on here because we're in the process of moving as well.  Movers will be here in 5 days!  Ack! Here's just a few pics of a great day!

Shifting Sands

If the sands are shifting, circumstances are changing.  This seems to be the the mantra of our life, so I see it fitting as our blog name.  I've tried blogging before with a "Picture a Day" blog and did really well at the beginning.  But as life got busier, I started skipping days and then tried to play catch up.  I eventually stopped blogging...fail!  This time around, I will not promise a picture a day!  lol  This blog is intended to document and share our ever changing lives as a Coast Guard Family.

In Brian's Coast Guard career we have been stationed in Portsmouth VA, Elizabeth City NC, Sitka AK, Mobile AL and are now headed back to Elizabeth City NC.  We have made MANY friends along the way and leave them behind each transfer.  Now even if you don't have a facebook acct, you can still keep up with the family.  In a couple weeks our new journey begins as we head back to North Carolina.  I'm excited and nervous to see what the future has in store for us!  :)  Enjoy!