Our first week

Since 2015 has been spent in the job search, we weren't able to plan a summer vacation. It's ok, you don't have to feel sad for us, life has been full and we have not minded the time at home purging and packing. Before Jonathan starts his new job August 3rd, we took this 2 week window to pack and move one week in Blacksburg and have the second week to explore our new town(s) of Lafayette and West Lafayette. So our staycation this past week has been mostly awesome (with some tantrums and child meltdowns sprinkled in).

Here are a few places we explored:
Downtown Lafayette Farmer's Market- we had breakfast burrito/sandwiches that were delicious and a blueberry scone that J called "the most amazing scone he has ever had in his entire life!" We later discovered that the bakery where said scone came from is located a few walking blocks away from our new home!!

Libraries- After the Saturday market, we went into the downtown library (this will be nearest our new home) and enjoyed family story time. It is huge!! Our entire Blacksburg library could fit in the children's wing of this place. Both kids approved of the books, toys and computers. Later in the week we visited the West Lafayette library location for family story time and also enjoyed the craft and people.

Columbian Park- This huge park we did over two separate days. One day was the playground equipment and free zoo, including a train ride around the park that Heath will be saving up his money to continue riding ($2). Another day we went to the water park on this same lot, Tropicanoe Cove for family night where we all got in for $8- pretty sweet deal considering they had a lazy river with inner tubes provided and some slides for adults as well as kid areas.

cheesey Reesey at Tropicanoe Cove

The most amazing custard I've ever had- right beside Columbian Park

Castaway Bay- This was the first public pool we explored in Lafayette and it was really perfect for our kids' sizes. They had a zero-level entry and some fountain areas.

Lake Michigan- So when we were moving to Indiana, I had no idea that Lake Michigan was going to be within reach (I'm more of a west-coast geography person). But Jonathan grew up vacationing on this Lake with his family and was excited to drive the 90 minutes to get there on the Indiana side. So one day we went to the beach, and sand got every.where. but I am surviving.

snack break at Lake Michigan

deep thoughts beachside

Lommel Park- There is another new family to the Purdue Housing life that just relocated a few weeks ago and they have two kids in between our kids' ages. So we explored this new park with them one morning (and the Library, Tropicanoe Cove and peach pickin') and the kids had a lot of fun together, especially Heath and their son who were talking about one another for the rest of the day.

Peach Pickin'- There is a farm about 20 minutes from where we are staying on campus that has peaches in season right now for u-pick. So we got a couple fresh pounds and enjoyed the beautiful drive out there.

Life Maintenance- In addition to the 'fun' stuff, we have also been exploring some basic needs in the area, like Heath got a haircut at the local Sports Clips. I grocery shopped at an Aldi for the first time. We have bought a few things from Craigslist and explored new neighborhoods that way too. This afternoon we will go to Heath's elementary school to register him for kindergarten that starts in a week and a half! And I got my nose pierced.

Transitions are hard. We find that jumping in with both feet and exploring where you are like an adventure helps to make it not feel so hard. Reese has had fits of sleepless/screaming nights in the new apartment. Heath has ridden some emotional roller coasters of bursting into tears that we left Virginia and missing his friends. Bathroom accidents have come a new norm and we are trying to navigate the challenge of consistent parenting amongst emotional change and the need for grace. Not easy.  But we are still standing a week down in our new hometown(s). Looking forward to family pizza night this evening with our Arkansas friends Matt and Bryttani who are here at Purdue and exploring the Children's Museum in Indianapolis this weekend (an hour away). A new normal will begin next week as J starts work Monday and the following week when Heath begins school.