We move again (sort of): an update from Frederick

We've been in Frederick for a week and a half, yet we appear to be no closer to moving into a house than we were when we got here. We keep hearing that everyone getting paid to make the deal happen is doing their best. We're not sure we're seeing it. In a word, it is frustrating. Very frustrating. Hopefully we'll know soon.

But we're doing our best. We did move again Friday, from two rooms at the Frederick Holiday Inn to a two-room family suite at the Frederick Residence Inn. Being in one suite feels more like home than a vacation, which is good as we are trying to regain some sense of normalcy after more than a month out of our house.

We are already getting fairly integrated into the area, thanks to church and school.

Our new ward has been fantastic. We've received several dinner invitations, offers of assistance (including invites for kids to hang out at others' houses), and advice on schools and shopping and neighborhoods. Colin and Carson rode 25 miles with the Boy Scout troop on Saturday, after the Scout leaders found bicycles for our boys. Melissa spent Friday night at the Young Women's movie night and has cemented some good new friendships. And all of us have met some really cool families to interact with (and lean on). We've been able to have a few home-cooked meals (from ward members and from one of Jason's co-workers who also recently relocated from Las Vegas), which has been great.

That is not to say, however, that we've forgotten our friends in the West. We've moved, but we are not moving on, and support from our good friends (in the form of e-mails, text messages, phone calls, and online comments) has been especially helpful. It's good to have people watching out for us on both coasts.

The past week was especially busy as we signed up four kids for three schools, attended open houses, toured campuses, bought school clothes and supplies, and prepared for the first day of school on the 24th. The kids are nervous, but excited, for school to start. We've been impressed by the schools' organization and curricula. It should be a great academic year.

Jason spent his first full week in an office this week (with no travel or work from home) since mid-March. March! He enjoys his work and his new co-workers and is glad to be in place, finally.

Yvonne is keeping everything moving (except us -- although she would probably have it done if people getting paid in this deal would get it going). She also played detective to figure out a problem with our mail delivery. It's been a full week.

Laundry for seven has been a treat at the local laundromat, but we're all wearing clean clothes, eating ok, and remaining sane. School starts in the morning, and that will give us another dose of normal life (even though the kids have been enjoying the un-normal life, perhaps a little too much).