Trucker's Atlas

We have completed our epic American journey and have now settled in California. Our trip was slightly revised so that Zach could be here in time for his drug test (pass!). We still managed to clock at least 6,000 miles and go through 22 states. I have not been faithful regarding a travel log. Instead, I will simply recount some anecdotes from the many places we visited. In order to create the illusion that I post frequently and to not overwhelm the populace with far too many words, I will only post one or two entries a day. This will also encourage me to add more pictures to each post. Go on, keep checking back.

Goodbye College Station. Note the amazing "relocubes" being carted off. Zach essentially packed them by himself in 109 degree weather. We were ready to leave, but Owen was a little melancholy about leaving John J.

Bedford, TX
We stayed with my college roommate Courtney and her husband Kurt in their lovely new home. I'm so happy for them. While we took a walk with Baby O and their new puppy Ralph in tow, I felt very suburbia yet very content. This was curious, since we were at the first stop of our enormous trip. We also won't be homeowners for a long time (I imagine - thanks California) and yet it was nice to know that one day we could very easily fit in that setting. Just not yet.

Mount Pleasant, TX
While attending the wedding of two friends from our church in College Station, Zach took care of Owen for the whole of the ceremony, as he knew how much I would want to see it. A family sitting near us in the pew had a girl who looked about Owen's age but was actually older and walking (he's a big dude, okay?). Her dad took her out of the ceremony as well, and her mom and I chatted for a bit. Woah...I'm a mom. It's weird how this whole other social circle opens up and you have insta-bond, just by chatting about your kids. We're at a whole new stage of life, folks.

Other memorable moments from the wedding: Owen sleeping in his car seat under a table at the reception. Zach dancing with me while holding Owen - when no one else was dancing. I love that man. We also said goodbye to everyone from our church family. We will miss them!
No, I wasn't going to light it. Fortunately, I also had the thought, "Hmmm, maybe I should step back a bit with my precious boy while hundreds of people light sticks that burst into shooting flames." Good parenting.