It’s been a hectic few days here. With all the snow and ice making the roads crazy we had to delay picking up our car from the port. Today was the last day we could get it without incurring additional fees. Clayton and dad headed to Pier 18 this morning at 7:30am to make an attempt. Fortunately the temperature rose to 34 degrees, which meant that the ice had begun melting on its own and the salted roads were completely passable. They made it safely to the pier to get the car.

It was a sad little snow-and-ice-covered car. But it made it unharmed and with just enough gas in the tank to get it back to my parent’s house.

So this morning we head to Oregon! We are getting a late start but hope to make it to Eugene by this evening. We still need to book a hotel (we delayed making a reservation just in case we couldn’t leave today), but plan to do that once we hit the road.

The road trip begins…

“I can’t believe all of this fits,” says Clayton as we lean on the trunk of the rental car to get it shut. There’s something to be said for getting the full-size rental car. The grand total: 2 checked suitcases, 3 rolling carry-ons, 3 backpacks, pump, diaperbag, stroller, 2 car seats, and “Pita” the bulldog.

We left Honolulu on Tuesday afternoon. Autumn said goodbye to everything as we drove to the airport. From the backseat we heard, “Bye house. Bye school. Bye trees. Bye McDonalds.” I admit I got a little teary-eyed as we drove through the Likelike tunnel and I glimpsed the last of the Windward mountains. Hawaii: What a beautiful place. I mean, all the hype is really true. It’s awesome. We are going to miss it. As Clayton said, “I think I might have some post-move depression after this one.” It’s likely it won’t hit us for awhile since we plan on seeing lots of family, friends, and countryside over the next few months. It’s nice that in the craziness of moving we also have that to look forward to.

First stop: Seattle! This is where my parents live, not to mention most of my relatives. We will be here for 10 days soaking in the rugged northwest. Yesterday was crystal clear and cold! The high for the day was 40 degrees. This chilly welcome to the mainland didn’t prevent us from enjoying the outdoors, albeit briefly. We bundled up and headed to the playground. Clayton invented running and jumping games to keep our blood pumping, but we knew it was time to go when Autumn’s nose turned red, she refused to play, and said “Mom I’m cold”. Back to the house for cocoa!

We had a nice ham dinner that night. My grandma Mary came over and we sat around drinking gewurztraminer and talking. I learned a completely random fact. My grandma was a double’s tennis champion in Omaha Nebraska one year in her teens. After the kids (and Clayton) went to bed my dad shook up some chocolate martinis and my parents and I caught up. It was a sweet time of conversation, and I was glad for the slower evening pace that afforded us the chance to finally really talk. Looking forward to many more evenings of that in the days to come!