D.C. Living

What a crazy year 2017 has been so far. Packing, moving, new job, and many other twists and turns in the journey which were not anticipated. Isn't that how life normally goes though? After making the difficult decision to take another leap of faith, take a job half way across the country (although much closer to my family!), things are finally starting to slow down and I'm getting back into a routine.

It's hard for me to believe that I am coming up on almost 2 months of living in the D.C. area. How in the world did that happen so fast?!?

I am loving this area.... so much history, things to do, and just a beautiful area. When moving to an area like D.C. where there is so many tourist things to see and do, I didn't feel in a big rush to do everything in my first few weeks of living here. I believe it was my 2nd week when I did drive around D.C. with my roommate, but didn't have time to walk around. Finally, last Saturday we decided to take the metro downtown and enjoy the cherry blossoms. After all, this is my first cherry blossom season as a local so of course I had to experience it!

There are SO MANY museums I want to see and things I want to do (haven't I mentioned that there is so much to do here?!), but that will have to be another weekend.

It was a gorgeous Saturday in the 70's with a slight breeze. Honestly, it was glorious! There were many people out and about so I'm glad we got a semi-early start, grabbed some coffee, and took in the sights.

Washington Monument

Unfortunately, the cherry blossoms weren't quite as full as we would have liked, but we got several inches of snow and ice about 2 weeks before peak bloom and sadly many died.

Jefferson Memorial

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

It was so gorgeous out. I honestly would have been perfectly content with reading a book, drinking an iced coffee, and sitting on the grass. I have plans to do that in the hopefully near future. 

WWII Memorial

It was just a start to see all that D.C. has to offer but after walking probably 5 miles, we were ready to call it a day and head home to relax. Excited to do some more exploring in my new city soon!

Throwback Thursday: {Beijing ~ April 2014}: Great Wall

I just can't get over how gorgeous and breathtaking the Great Wall really is. This was my fourth trip there (my fifth will be next week!) and it always amazes me. It is always fun to experience it will new people, makes each trip different and special. The day Laura and I went, it was raining on the way there and it drizzled the first hour on the Great Wall (we were there fore three hours). Thankfully it cleared up!

This is my, "I'm leaving China very soon" face.

And this is my... ummm.... yeah, not really sure. 

What can I say, I am sad to leave (really, I am).

Here

I know, I know, I've been a horrible blogger lately. It's not that I don't have anything to say. Every once in a while I get get in a "slump" when I'm not sure how to say what it is I want to say. 

Another reason as to why I haven't been a very good blogger lately, is because my friend, Laura, is here! I am often told how well I do at keeping my blog updated and I respond with "it's because I don't have any friends or a social life." It's true! Ok, I do have friends here but I also have a lot more just me time and I have much more time to devote to my blog. But with Laura here? It's much more fun talking and hanging out with her than writing a blog post. Although, we should be documented all our adventures better I suppose. I'll try to work on that...

She has been here almost 4 weeks and she has been busying doing one-on-one's with several of our children,

and reading,

and of course just loving on these sweet kiddos!

All that to say, I am here and I am doing well. I'll try my best to get back on the "blogging band wagon!"

Excitement!

Guess what, guess what?!?! Do you know what is happening today?!?! I'll give you a hint with the picture below.... and no, it sadly does not involve a slushy.

THIS girl is coming to see me!!! She is on an airplane right now somewhere between Africa and Asia and will arrive TONIGHT.

My sweet friend, Laura, who has been through so much with me (that really is an understatement). Including bad pictures.

We have eaten more hot n' ready's together than we would care to share (my mouth is watering just looking at this picture... how long until I'm home??).

And taken countless "photo shoots." Yeah, we're that special. 

A friend who encourages me, challenges me, and makes me a better person.



And what's even more exciting than the fact that she arrives tonight?! It's that she'll be here for at least  a month or two.

I'm heading to the airport this evening to meet her. I can't wait!

Amazing adventures await!

Thankfully, I won't get in trouble (yet) with all these pictures since she is on a plane at the moment. : )