Tracing Our Shadows: It's time we were off again

Where does the time go? We've been back in Virginia with family for one month and it's already time to go again! It's been a very full month of visiting family and a few friends, shopping for entire new wardrobes, checking off doctor's and dentist appointments, getting the necessary paperwork in order for our move and some celebrations.

The first two weeks out of quarantine were spend with the Jacksons in Ashburn. We celebrated a cousin's birthday with a backyard barbecue. Scott went in to work most days and Kiersten started running again on the trails of Ashburn. The girls got spoiled by the attention of Grandma and Grandpa Jackson, reading books, going on walks and playing at numerous parks. Mommy and Mackenzie also did some "homeschooling" aided by Grandma Jacksons many wonderful children's books.

We did a unit on apples and made apple muffins.

Yummy milkshake! We enjoyed lots of ice cream!

Our unit on pumpkins.

Getting important things taken care of.

The following two weeks were spent in Manassas at the Hammond homestead. We did do one more sleep over at the barn in Winchester with all the local Hammonds. We set up an outdoor movie complete with bonfire and s'mores. On Friday, October 23, Finley had her second birthday! We celebrated with the Hammonds and then again with the Jacksons the next day.

Met up with the cousins at a park in Springfield.

And got ice cream afterwards.

On October 30, we were privileged to join the Retirement Celebration for Scott's dad with a fancy dinner. The whole Jackson family was there including Scott's younger brother who flew out from Utah to participate in person and see us before our departure. Our last family celebration was Halloween. We went up to Maryland to Trick-or-Treat at a safe distance from others with Kiersten's brother's family. Mackenzie was a cat and Finley's costume was extremely last minute. Eyeliner on her face turned her into a zombie and we called it good. We all had a great time and enjoyed another backyard movie and fire with the family.

A pumpkin, a champion, a cat and a zombie girl.

Sunday it was back to the Jacksons for last minute packing and prepping for our departure on Monday afternoon. We spent Monday morning gathering the last items, packing our last bags and mailing a few boxes to ourselves. After naps we were driven to the airport by Scott's parents and brother. We said goodbye and walked into the unknown, again. We'll give you a detailed report soon.