Progression of Spring

I am amazed how fast Spring changes. Here are some pictures of the Smithsonian Castle's Courtyard. The first set was taken the first week of March and second set the first week of April. And yes, I go to DC a lot these days, at least four times month.

Cherry Blossoms

When we decided to make this big move across the country, one of the things I was most excited about was being so close to Washington DC and being able to see the Cherry Blossoms every year. Eric and I came to visit his family three years ago for Easter but I was disappointed to have missed the peak by only a few days. I have been looking forward to seeing them since I moved, but I had to first endure winter. We went last Thursday. It was a gloomy day, but the blossoms were amazing. It was like snow in a weird way, kind of like that fight scene in Kill Bill, but with a striking lack of Samurai swords. There were a lot of people for a week day, I cannot imagine what Saturday must have been like. I am already hoping that next year it will be sunny when I go.

My Dad's Visit

My dad and his wife, Arlene came to visit us last week. We did some touristy things and took a road trip to Virginia and North Carolina to see my Aunt Karen, Grandma Deans and Grandpa Deans. Here are some pictures from our trip.

My Dad & Arlene in front of Mount Vernon.
While at Mount Vernon we witnessed a sheep give birth to two lambs.

I am an animal nerd, so I thought it was the coolest thing.
Eric and I got to go to Monticello sans Audrey. Thanks for Dad & Arlene for babysitting (or should I say babyrunning).
We had lunch with my Aunt Karen and Eugene in Tappahannock, VA.
They spoiled Audrey with gifts.

My Grandpa Deans' Farm house in NC.
It was Audrey first time meeting her Great-grandfather.

Audrey got spoiled with more presents.

She even started singing "Happy Birthday" to herself.

We were given a Victrola that my Great-grandmother owned.

Audrey found my Grandpa's hat and work boots.

She looks so cute when she's guilty.

My Grandpa Deans and Grandma Gail with their new love.

We had a wonderful trip and we so blessed we could go before Eric started his new job.

Job Celebration

We have been very excited about Eric's new job. We went out for Ice Cream the night he received the offer. Audrey loved the ice cream and being up past her bedtime.



That weekend Eric's Dad, step-mom, sister and brother-in-law generously treated us to a night at a bed and breakfast called Peralynna in Columbia (the city Eric will be working in.)
We ironically were in the "Peacock Suite." The room usually runs $1,000 a night, but they got a much better deal.

Although, it was appropriate to have peacock pictures, I was not sure if they knew that the albino one was not a female. From our five years on the farm, I knew that only the males have the tail feathers so we weren't sure what exactly what was going on in the pictures.

We explored Columbia (which is much like Irvine) and also found a quaint historic city center in the next town of Ellicott City. We ate dinner in an old tavern that was built in the 1830's, Eric and I are nerds for old places like that. It was a wonderful trip and great to have a break from our little girl.

I got a job!

After 6 looong months, I am excited to announce that I was offered a job last Thursday. To maintain complete honesty, my offer is pending my fingerprinting results and reference check but I'm not too worried.

The position is Mentor Program Development Manager (I know...its a mouthful) for a company called U.S. Dream Academy. USDA is a nonprofit that runs after school programs for middle schoolers who are at risk for incarceration (usually one of their parents are in prison.) In addition to an online academic skills module, the program involves one-on-one mentoring for each student. They are already doing a great job with the program already but they don't have anyone at the national office (they have centers all over the country)focusing on the mentor program itself. In addition to recruiting, training, and retaining mentors, I will be building out the program itself. This job is a real answer to prayer because in my time of waiting and reflection, I have really felt God leading me to nonprofit work with underserved kids. He certainly delivered!

The office is in Columbia Maryland (about 25 minutes from where we live now) so I don't have to worry about public transportation (a really timely and expensive way of life out here.) I start April 6th so I have a few weeks to actually enjoy my time off. Ashley and I were talking last week about how our move has really mirrored the seasons. We moved here in Fall, a time of excitement and change. The months of Winter seemed really long and they were very difficult for me. I don't recommend being out of work if you can help it. Spring, which is usually indicative of new life brings with it a new job for our family. Maybe I'm overspiritualizing it but what can I say...I'm excited.

I want to thank all of you who were praying for us during this time. Even though it was difficult, I've never felt so loved and cared for. A huge thanks to my Mom and Luis who provided so richly for us while we were out of work...we definitely owe you. Anyway, here are some pictures of Spring in Maryland for a little color.

High Five!

On Saturday we went to the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore. Though there were many exhibits to see, Audrey focused on "Waltee" the mascot (a guy walking around in a lion suit.) After screaming in fear upon meeting Waltee on her own, Audrey warmed up to him when Mommy held her. She already had a lion fascination since we went to the Zoo last month so Waltee was especially exciting. She gave Waltee some high fives then became obsessed with high fives. We took a video of our dinner at night. I hope you enjoy it as much as she did.

From Crackle: High Five!

More Snow!

We had a big storm come through the eastern shore (of which we are now residents). It started while Eric was grilling Sunday night. He looked and was cold.

By Monday morning we had eight inches of snow. We built a snowman to which Audrey says "Hi!" at least three times a day.

Here are some of the pictures I took of our yard...