We are here ... almost!

We officially made it to Iowa City on Sunday. After driving through some of the small, red-neck towns along the Mississippi River, I was beginning to get a little nervous as to where we were going to be living for the next two years. I was pleasantly surprised at how many of the "comforts" of Richmond are here also. I was afraid we were moving back in time! (j/k) The mall has an Ann Taylor Loft, The Children's Place, Eddie Bauer, Old Navy and even an indoor play area. The outlet mall is just twenty minutes away for more fun shopping. This area reminds me a lot of Cache Valley, so I am beginning to feel a little more at home. The people have been really nice and friendly.

We had eight days before we could get into our apartment, so we have been staying at a Suburban extended stay hotel. It is brand-new and nice, but our room is tiny! It is about the size of our old bedroom and has a kitchen (complete with fridge, stove, sink, dishwasher, microwave, cupboards), table, drawers, king size bed, bathroom, bed stand and we somehow manage to find places for Cole's blow-up twin bed (which we have to put up every morning) and the pack-and-play (poor Garrett has to sleep in the kitchen). To say that we are cramped is an understatement!! But, it is fun to have some close family together time, even if we are on top of each other. I know we will look back on these days and laugh -- we are creating memories! I'll post a picture of our little "home" when I get a chance.

Since we have had so little space, we have been trying to find things to do to entertain ourselves and get us out of the hotel. We have been to the malls, parks, and today we went to story time at the local library. There is still so much exploring to do and we have nothing but time, so I'm sure we'll find a few more fun things for the boys. Fun, Fun, Fun!