Breakfast in Billings

I LOVE complimentary breakfast, don't you? As I type I am enjoying breakfast in bed, while watching the Today Show. Life is good.

Yesterday our goal was to make it to Billings, MT, but with Tucker along we really had no idea where we would end up for the night. I hope I don't jinx ourselves for today, but Tucker was AWESOME in the car yesterday. He slept most of the 12 hours, and didn't make a peep! Unfortunately, all that sleep meant that he didn't really want to go to sleep once we got to the hotel around 11:30 pm.

So, 850 miles down. 1000 to go! I have some pictures of our drive to post, but that will have to wait. Tucker is sleeping after our walk on this early morning. I'm going to catch a quick nap before we hit the road again!

Adios!

And we're off! We hope to make it to Montana by tonight. More to come along the way...

Outstanding TA!

Today was a day of celebration! It was my last day of work, and Andrew was honored with the Outstanding TA award. He was nominated by his students, and was presented the award at the Mechanical Engineering graduation today. I was able to leave work a little early so that I could join him. On my way home from work I got stuck behind a UPS truck blocking my alley. While I sat there for five minutes waiting, I heard the dreaded BING of the gas light. That is where all our trouble began.

We quickly got dressed and left the house at 3:10. Still early by Andrew's standards. LATE by mine! We debated--take Energy Park or University? Last minute decision to take University. This was the first of many mistakes. All was swell until we got to the new intersection by the stadium. We waited for our turn at the intersection for over TEN MINUTES, with the gas light staring us in the face.

Keep in mind that graduation starts at 3:30. At 3:22 Andrew decides to hop out of the car and run the last half mile. In the rain. Finally I get to the ramp, and run over to the building. I am totally out of practice wearing heels, so it's more of a hobble. I'm sure it was quite a sight. I made it just in time to see Andrew get his award. I get my camera out, and find there is NO BATTERY! Damn. So, enjoy these pictures from my phone.

After the ceremony we ate dinner at Big Ten, our favorite campus restaurant, and then headed to the parking ramp. We get to where I thought I parked the car, and no car. Andrew notices a sign that says 'RESERVED. CARS WILL BE TICKETED AND TOWED'. Damn. So, we talk to the parking ramp people to find out the phone number for the towing company. They tell us that nobody has been towed today, so we are probably looking in the wrong spot. Good news, but where is the car? We meander the ramp, and find the vibe one level down. I've never been so happy to see the car.

It turned out to be a great evening. It was nice to see Andrew honored for his work, and fun to hear all the nice things his students had to say about him. The $1500 award money isn't too bad either! :) Congrats husband!

Playing around with our new camera

Beautiful tree outside our house!

Petal lined sidewalk. Side note: This is what our wedding aisle was supposed to look like. BUT, the flower men were a nice touch. Don't you think?

Playing with Gavin in the backyard.

YUM! I'm so happy berry season is here.

Neighborhood Squirrel Watch.

Counting down to Oregon

24 days! In case you are counting.

You might be thinking...well Megan, you left your job. So, what exactly do you plan on doing this summer while Andrew brings home the bacon? Here is your answer!

Things I am looking forward to in Oregon:

1. Exploring the Pacific Northwest (Seattle, San Juan Islands, Vancouver, Victoria, Portland, Redwood Forest, Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainer, etc.)

2. Being one hour from the ocean!

3. Teaching Tucker how to walk without pulling. (I don't know...this may just be wishful thinking)

4. Taking a photography class (We just bought a new SLR camera!)

5. Taking cooking classes from Whole Foods. (No wife should be making peanut butter and jelly when there are yet to be children in the house).

6. BIKE!

7. Entertain our families when they come visit.

8. I will be putting down the children's books and anything with "education" in the title, and will enjoy reading for fun!

9. Having the time to enjoy the summer! :)

P.S. VISITING ENCOURAGED!

Oregon Trail

As you probably know by now, WE ARE MOVING TO OREGON! Next month we will be packing up the Vibe and heading west for three months. Neither of us have been to Portland, but we have only heard good things. A few months ago Andrew was offered an internship at Intel, and it was an easy decision for both of us. We are both anxious to explore the Pacific Northwest!

Stay tuned! I plan to keep the blog updated on all of our adventures.

P.S. Andrew promised a few guest appearances. You won't want to miss that! :)