Lewis Evolution: We have arrived!

Iowa

After a whirlwind of preparation and too little time for goodbyes, we have arrived at our new home in Spokane. I will take a little time to highlight our trip across the country now and in the future post updates on what we are up to. This move was our 5th time moving across the country (or back). In the past we have taken time to stop and see some sites, even braving driving through Yellow Stone and up to Mount Rushmore in a UHAUL. (this post is making us sound more insane than adventuresome). I was very impressed with Erik's will power in passing up 3 Cabelas stores and not stopping. I thought, "wow, he really does want to hurry and get there." Little did I know, until we were about to cross the state line into Washington, that there would be a Cabelas only 20 miles from our new home. I'm wondering now if he knew this the whole time and that was the source for the tremendous willpower.

The girls were so pleasant and easy to deal with. Mia was happy with her travel desk, reading, eating candy (thanks to an awesome travel gift box provided by Aunt Rachel and Uncle Damon and kids), coloring, listening to the many songs that Erik loaded onto my ipod just for her, and challenging me to a few too many rounds of Hangman. Paige spent most of her time in the moving truck with Erik. She kept busy with drawing, writing short stories, texting friends, and listening to music.

Overlooking the Missouri River in South Dakota.

Arika and Sula overlooking the Missouri River in SD, 1998

We did really miss having Arika with us this trip. We took a moment of remembrance for her birthday after calling her to sing to her.

Sundance,WY

We were very blessed on our trip. To drive across the country in January and not hit any snow-covered roads is totally amazing. The night we stopped in Sundance, WY it started snowing just as we pulled into the hotel and was finished by morning. Totally clear roads, with just a small amount blowing across. That was it!

Once we got to the mountains in Idaho, I really began to see how blessed we were. There was lots of snow on each side of the road, even to the point of covering road signs. This was all from the week before.

This was a very nice trip, fast, but nice. So happy to be finished and on the the next leg of our adventures in Washington. I'll finish this entry with a few more of my favorite pics from the trip.