Take me to the West...

We're in New Mexico!  Finally.  Though, between naps and listening to Red Storm Rising it didn't really seem that long of a trip.  We had a great visit with my parents, for what may be the last time for a while, the last weekend of May.  It was especially special since we were able to do the temple work for my maternal grandmother, who was quite the character.  It was beautiful to spend time with my parents and sister in that way.  


The 27th was our first year anniversary.  It wasn't quite what I had hoped it would be, since it was also the last night we spent with my parents, brothers, and sister and her family.  We made up for it by celebrating during our week of traveling.  We even ate a mouse-bite of our wedding cake top.  Fact: it has not yet killed us.  Tip: if you do not have a dependable way to constantly freeze the cake (e.g.: you are a college student who has multiple breaks during the year from which you have to leave and unplug ALL electronics) DO NOT eat the cake.  Wisdom.


That Monday (the 28th) we began our big trek!  We have a ton of pictures and a few videos that, hopefully, we'll be able to post once we find the cord to attach the camera to the computer.  The one thing about moving across the country with just a 4x8 U-haul is that you get rid of at least a third of your belongings.  I hope I never miss the things I left behind, just the people.


We displayed our amazing thriftiness and love for family by being able to stay with Abe's aunt and uncle in Indiana and my brother, Travis, and his wife and children in Missouri.  It was great to meet up with everyone.  Abe was able to show off his child-rearing skillzzz by getting my three year old niece to speak to him after about eighteen hours. This is no small feat, since this child has spoken about four words to her Primary teacher of two years.  
We were able to stay at a Marriott in Colorado Springs with platinum memberships thanks to a friend from Owego.  Let me tell you, Abe and I have traveled so much in the past year that we've been married that we considered the idea of signing up to be members ourselves!  The promise of a concierge lounge is pretty tempting...


We arrived in New Mexico on Friday, June 1st and here we remain.  We're so grateful that the car held up and that everyone has been so generous to us.  We are just drifters now and haven't even found a job- yet!