Tours with Trolleys

As the laundry tumbles dry, the kids are finally asleep! What a great day...after finding the perfect (and first one we found) parking spot, we headed off to buy tickets for the Old Towne Trolley tour. Let me just say that Washington was & still is a city built by true artisans. We purchased our tickets at the Mayflower Hotel. This hotel looked like one right out of a '20s-era movie! Our first stop on the "Green Line" was the National Cathedral.

The building was only just dedicated in 1990 but, again, looks like something from an era gone by. And yes, it just so happed that we were at the cathedral just as Sunday service was beginning. Words (written or spoken) cannot describe this magnificent building. As soon as we stepped inside, we were taken back to days of kings and knights and humble monks. The modern masonry looked to be centuries old. The crown jewel of our Cathedral stop was just as we entered the church, the sun came out from behind the clouds, revealing the colors of the spectacular stained glass. Due to morning Mass, pictures were not allowed inside the church, so you will just have to take my word for it. But, God was truly present today in that beautiful church. We made a pit stop down in the crypts for a couple of books & a leather-bound bible. After the Cathedral, we wound our way through Georgetown & down by the Capitol. After a brief glimpse of the White House, we transferred to the "Orange Line" for our trip around the National Mall. Before we boarded the Orange Line, we stopped for lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. One word: AWESOME! We got off the Orange Trolley at the Lincoln Memorial to start our tour at the west end of the Mall. Let's just say that's all we needed. After ascending the steps of the Memorial, having our picture taken at Abe's feet, seeing the Washington Monument from the far end AND taking in the Vietnam Memorial, we were full and ready for "home". Tomorrow will be a day much like the middle book of a trilogy; bridging the beginning and the end of our relatively-short-by-comparison Journey to Tennessee, but still just as important. Please keep us in your prayers and we will post again once we reach the safety and comfort of the Embassy Suites in Charleston, WV.

Till next time,

JSII

DC tour

Bagel & coffees in hand, we are off to tour DC on a trolley. There are 4 loops, the trolleys run all day and much like the buses in New York, they cover the main "hot spots" of DC. Isaak & I are excited for the Washington Monument, and the girls cant wait to see the beautiful stained glass of the National Cathedral. More to come tonight after our tour. Wish us luck!
JSII

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Going West...

And so we continue to begin again (I know, doesn't make sense to me either. After 10 short months in Connecticut, the Barratt's are off on another Journey. We are headed to Tennessee where I will be working as the Chief Engineer on the CHENA, a buoy tender on the Mississippi, out of Hickman, KY. But as always, we have to vacation on our moves. Last time it was Rushmore & Yellowstone, this year it's our Nation's Capitol. The fam is all tucked in for the night as I blog from my DROID, preparing for our assault on DC tomorrow. Plan is for the National Mall, the National Cathedral & Arlington. I'll keep you all posted and let's see how it goes.
JSII

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Finally into a routine (sort of)

Sorry I have let the blog slip. Working 8 to 4 then swimming & dinner kinda swallows the days. Nothing major to blog. The kids found out who their teachers are, which was pretty exciting, only a few weeks left, then Sarah will have the whole house to herself during the day...we'll see how that goes. My job continues to be an exciting journey and we seem to finally be adjusting to the crazy weather. Not too sure if I like the driving (of other drivers) but after living all our lives in Washington, CT is definitely an Adventure. Like I said, life has slowly gotten into a routine and seems to be chugging right along. Hope I won't be so far in between posts but that's about it for this one.
As always, love from us,
JS&K

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It's been awhile...

Sorry it's been so long, it's been a long week. After our stuff got here, we spent last week transitioning from a house full of boxes to boxes here and there. I LOVE my new job. The position was vacant before me, so I have no shoes to fill. The people I will be working with and for seem veryh receptive to change and are excited about the role I will be playing. Even though it has been a little over a week since our last post, there's not much to pass. We love being a block from a private pool and being with Mo & Kara again has been a blessing. A lot of fols have told me that a land-based job is a break from the cutter life but from what I've seen, betweeen my work ethic and the input from my shop, I will be a very busy little boy. The kids are excited we have the tvs & dvd players hooked up. Betweeen that and the pool, their days are extremely full. I'm still getting used to this whole 8-to-4 gig, but it seems to be growing on me. I just take the work one day at a time and look forward to seeing Sarah & the kids every night. Well, that's all from Branford, for now. I did find out there are officially 47 people in front of me for Chief/E-7. Thirteen of those are gooing to be promoted this year and after that who knows; I am still planning on this time next year. We'll definitely keep everyone posted. Well, it's 8PM EDT so it's time to get kids to bed and have some down time. We still love and miss all of you very much.

Love Always,
JS&K

The Breaking Point

Today was the day. After 12 days of living in limbo, we are done having fun. Tonight we are on the eve of the completion. Tomorrow we get our power back and I start back to work. Tuesday our belongings will arrive and we will hopefully have our satellite TV back. Both my dad and a friend said the same thing about our last few days and they made a very good point; at least we made it here safe and sound. Also, none of this is happening between here and there. I am looking forward to starting back to work; as I told Sarah, it's all down hill from here.
Until next time, we love you all and keep tuned for more updates on The Adventure

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We finally got a break in the heat; only 84 today! We tried to swim in Long Island Sound today but apparently the geese use this particular piece of water as a toilet. So the health department closed the beach, so we just palyed in the sand and the playground. Now tonight we are driving up to Hartford to go to the drive in. One more day and we get our power back; tuesday for our stuff! The days are getting better. I also seem to be acclimating to the heat & humidity quicker than I thought I would. That is making easier to handle all this fun and stress! Hope everybody is doing well, we are taking it one day at a time.
Love,
JS&K

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And we thought this was gonna be easy

So we woke up to a modestly warm day. I FINALLY got my haircut at this really great palce. The people there were totally great and my cut was perfect. So at around 11 AM, as I was calling to get the power switched over, went back in the house to get some stuff and POOF, no lights, no A/C...nothing. Apparently I wasn't quick enough. It was smoothed over by Mo & Kara letting us hang out; we went swimming most of the afternoon! So as Sarah and I were on the way to our hotel (yup, need warm water and A/C) I got a phone call. Our driver called and told us wouldn't see our stuff till tuesday morning. On a good note, I would rather have this stuff happen after we got here rather than on the road. So, I guess the adventure continues...
JS&K

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The First Night

Well, we survived the first night. I figured out why the central air has an "auto" setting. We woke up at about 2AM & we were FREEZING! So I got up & fiddled with the control panel and it helped. Now, I think I have it licked. So, we are off to get some breakfas t and both Sarah & are off to get some much-needed java. Well catch up with everyone later!
Love,
JS&K

Home Sweet Home

OK, so here's what I've got so far: found the IKEA, Wal-Mart and grocery store, set up "camp" (air matresses & blankets) and have some food in the fridge. Oh, and I dropped off my uniform for dry cleaning. This morning we were up early, packed and GONE! from the hotel with everyone asking "Can we go home, now?" So, here we are; officially in our new home. Sarah will be posting some pictures of the house on Facebook and I will post them on the blog when we get our stuff situated. This final post is bittersweet; it means the end of The Journey. It also means the beginning of the The Adventure! I will also be changing the blog title but the address will be the same so no one will have to change their favorites (after consulting with Sarah, it will create less confusion). That way, friends and family will still be able to follow the happenings and doings of the family. I hope all of you enjoyed reading about The Journey as much as I loved writing about it. As I said before, The Journey ends and The Adventure begins. Stay tuned and we love all of you!

JS&K

Almost Home

Well folks, we're here! We'll be staying the night in Hartford with some friends, then off to Branford in the morning. Just letting everbody know we've landed. I am truly, truly exhausted, but I will make tomorrow's blog much more interesting; hope everyone understands. I had to blog tonight, but this is it for now.

I still can't believe we traveled 3016 miles in 9 days (exactly as I predicted) and we're still a family and get along. Well, off to bed and more excitement, and blogging, tomorrow.

Love,
JS&K

WE MADE IT!

The title says it all!

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An Early Start

Most of you will still be sound asleep while I am writing this. The only reason I can think of why I am awake and blogging at 5 AM is because it's already 71 degrees and Sarah & I can't sleep anymore. Or because to day is "CT Day" OR we want to get the heck out of Dodge (first hotel we've stayed at that has a security guard at the front door!) I will send some mini-posts later as we go but for now, gotta get rollin' and we'll catch up with you guys later

Love,
JS&K

So close, yet so far away

Thank goodness this is our last day before our arrival in CT. I don't think I can handle any more surprises on days I am expecting to uneventful. The drive was extremely normal. Normal toll booths, normal road construction, normal 10+ over the speed limit. But wait, no Journey day would be complete with out at least something happening. Driving through Buffalo, NY was definitely an adventure. We are on the third floor, all the way at the end of the hall; right next to a ventilation/emergency access door. The card sitting on the front desk read "Please do not leave any valuable visible in your car". The door card envelope has a warning that reads "For your safety: chain, bolt and bar your door. Do not answer unless guest is identified." And the bathroom has a phone in it. Now, at least Sarah and Jenn can talk to each other. Long story short, I'm glad this will be an overnighter. We found out today that our stuff will be arriving on Monday; HOORAY! So we will be staying at a hotel in Harford with our friends the O'Malley's. Then on Thursday, we will be off to Branford; bringing the traveling part of The Journey to a close. I asked Isaak when The Journey blog should officially end; his answer "when our stuff is in our house". So I have a few more days, then I can guarantee I will find something else to blog about. It will also be an early night so we can get an early start tomorrow.
Until tomorrrow, keep us in your thoughts and prayers for our final push to CT
Love,
JS&K

Our New Friend

Just when I thought today's drive would be uneventful: WRONG AGAIN! To start out the day, I somehow ended up going the wrong way on a one way street. The best part, it was witnessed by no less than a dozen carloads of people. I was the "loony guy from out-of-state". Once we finally made it through the U-District of Madison & on to the freeway, the day was shaping up much better. After we crossed into Illinois, we made a new friend (dripping with sarcasm): TOLL BOOTHS. Don't get me wrong, most of the toll highway was well-paved, but those booths are a pain! There's not enough time to get yourself into a good "freeway-drivin' groove" before BAM! slow and pay. One highlight was during the drive through Chicago. Anyone who has seen the IKEA commercial with the VW bug piled high with IKEA stuff will understand. Just check out the picture!

After those trucks it was time for lunch; we figured McDonald's was a good bet. We saw a sign and prepared to exit. Little did we know this particular McD's was on an island in the middle of the interstate! Once we got inside it was like any typical Golden Arches. My favorite part was a young man who ordered "2 cheeseburgers, no burger". Guys, I'm not making this stuff up! After that, the drive was pretty standard, save the toll booths and our best friend Road Construction. Sarah and I both decided we are never EVER living in a big city...EVER! Chicago was nuts, and we never left the freeway. One difference I have noticed as we make our way east: folks drive a whole lot faster. The average posted speed limit: 60; average vehicle speed: 70+. I also noticed, and liked, these eastern states have a minimum speed. I love that part!

Well, it looks like I will actually make it to bed before midnight. On that note, I do want to point out how glad I am we are making this move with the kids out of school. The time change has had very little intra-family effect, just inter-family. Us being +3 from family will take some adjustments, but I think we'll be just fine. So, with that I am off to bed; tomorrow it's from here in Wauseon (wAW-see-on), OH to Buffalo, NY. Planning on stopping for lunch with the Nichols' girls near Cleveland (keeping our fingers crossed). The drive from here to Buffalo looks like about 6 ish hours. And, as always, blog post to follow. One cklosing note: I pointed out to Sarah that I am becoming attached to the insanity of The Journey. I called it a case of Stockholm Syndrom, ifthat's not to extreme. I truly have enjoyed this trip so far; only 2 days left and then...who knows. I guarantee I will find something to blog about one The Journey comes to a close. Until next time friends, sleep well and may God bless and keep all of us!
Love,

JS&K

P.S. I almost forgot the best part: if you are ever passing through Ohio on I-90, find the little town of Wauseon, turn left after the exit toll both (the Best Western will be in front of you) and eat at the little diner on the left, Smith's. They have awesome pies and DEEP-FRIED PICKLES! don't knock it till you tried it.

drove through 3 1/2 states & 360 miles

deep-fried pickle

A Long Day...

Those of you who are used to a post full of fun and excited might be a little disappointed tonight. After 9 hours and 432 miles, a little over 2000 mile total so far; I'm gonna keep this one short and sweet. We covered all of Minnesota and half of Wisconsin today. The two highlights were the SPAM museum in Austin, MN & Rocky Rocco's in Onalaska, WI. For anyone who even eats SPAM once in a while, that place was AWESOME! and a must-see. So many great pictures; Isaak & I even got to can some "SPAM". After our usual souvenir grabbing, we were back on the road. I called my folks as we crossed the Mighty Mississippi & we ate dinner at Rocky Rocco's. A little piece of trivia for my Spokane followers; the woman who took our order informed us that Rocky's is actually a Wisconsin chain that branched out. There is one each in Minnesota & Washington State. One side highlight was the kids faces lighting up (no pun) at seeing fireflies for the first time. That's about it; the next few days will be long ones. From here to our next stop will be 360 miles including Chicago; the next day will be 340 miles including Cleveland. I'll keep up as best I can; the good news is: only 3 days left! So, all four of us are on our ways to bed for another full day tomorrow. We are still unsure about the situation with our belongings, so there might be a "Where's Our Stuff?" blog coming soon to a computer near you.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers and take comfort in knowing we're almost there.

JS&K

Austin, MN

Just sending a mini-post letting our followers know we are on our way in to the SPAM museum...

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Happy Anniversary! (in two time zones)

Today is Sarah's and my 10-year wedding anniversary; what did we spend it doing? Laundry and driving! Our anniversary dinner; pizza, salad & bottled water from room service. Well, such is the life of a military family. But enough him, haw and "oh, woe is us!", how about the fun parts. "Where the heck is Wall Drug?" I'll tell you; it's somewhere between there & here (actually, it's an hour east of Rapid City). Everyone who travels I-90 through South Dakota has to stop at Wall Drug, so we did. Got some great pictures of the store front; I pretty much played up the "tourist" role and had the camera out the whole time taking random pictures of everything. We had a light snack and some free ice water. On our way past the rest rooms, Isaak was drawn to a mining exhibit. I assumed it was simply a "play in the dirt show". I couldn't have been more wrong! We had 3 choices; purchasing a bag of dirt and, using a sliuce box, sift out gems & stones. We could pan for gold; or as a family, we could explore a mine shaft mock up and keep whatever stones we found our our "easter egg hunt". We chose the family deal and came out with 3 small bags of really cool polished rocks. Then we picked up a post card and a bumper sticker; some home made ice cream, a souvenir cup and were on our way. We stopped about half way at a rest area and I have to say I have never seen so many grasshoppers in my whole life. They were literally EVERYWHERE! Just outside Sioux Falls, we got to watch the largest storm I think I have ever seen pass right in front of us. As we headed into Sioux Falls, the Weather Service posted a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the area. I wasn't concerned but we'll get to that in a sec. So, after a quick stop at Wal-Mart to grab water wings for Isabel and some dive sticks for Isaak, we were checked in, fed and in the pool by 7:30ish (Central Time). Now by "in the pool", I don't mean in swim suits and swimming around. Anyone reading this, pause for a second and Google "Ramkota Hotel, Sioux Falls, SD". To be a spoiler, "in the pool" means either speeding down a 3-story corkscrew waterslide or running around under and umbrella- shaped water fountain. Or even trying to navigate a rope strung across the pool while walking across a floating "log" loosely anchored to the bottom while someone is shooting a water cannon at you. I told the kids about the water slide earlier in the week (it's amazing what you can use for punishment leverage as a parent) and they both had mini heart attacks when I told them the water park was open till 11PM!! (most of the pools we have swam in closed at 9). Isabel also informed me "I was the best daddy ever" and Isaak gave my hotel choice 2 thumbs up. I discovered that when I tell my kids "swim as long as you want" it works much better and there is less fighting than "5 more minutes". We swam until about 10 and they were pretty much swam out; here comes the "Storm Warning" I talked about. The kids decided to be done because of the strom outside. I didn't realized the entire sky would be filled with both sheet and bolt lightning. Not to mention it rained long enough and hard enough to drown a small dog. And apparently the staff was going through their Severe Storm protocol because when we returned to our room, there was an evacuation plan under our door. Okay, maybe it was a big deal but I still got a good picture of the lightning. Again, as I close my blog, Sarah and the kids (and dogs) are sleeping soundly, which they deserve after beeing cooped up most of the day. Tomorrow, we are off on another long leg, Siuox Falls to Madison, Wisconsin. Most likely some stops in between, but it will be a good 7 hours of driving. The prayers must be working because this adventure seems to be getting easier, at least for me. Besides, only 3 , maybe 4, more nights and we'll be in our new home. As before, as long as family and friends look forward to "The Journey" posts, I truly look forward to posting them.

Love,

JS&K

(sheet lightning in the parking lot)

3 monuments in one day...

Since we had a very uneventful drive to Wyoming toward South Dakota, we figured we would fill it with as much "touristy" stuff as we could. On our way to SD, we stopped by Devil's Tower; Spectacular! Kids got ice cream and Isabel picked up another post card (she's collecting them). As from my previous post, we stopped in Sturgis (post card & t-shirt) then rolled into Rapid City around 3:30ish. As soon as the kids and I were dried and changed from the pool, we piled in the Explorer and were off to the Crazy Horse Monument and Mt Rushmore. If I wasn't feeling proud enough being in the military because of this trip, the gentleman at the gate informed us our trip was free in thanks for my service! Then, at the snack bar, Isabel's pizza was free; only because it was older than 15 minutes, whatever free is free! After tons of pictures, Isaak decided he need a collection for the trip, so he has started collecting state-shaped magnets; one for each we pass through. One side bar: on our way from Crazy Horse to Rushmore, I received a message that I am #35 (out of 459) on the MK Chief (E-7) advancement list. I was so excited I had to pull over because I was hyperventilating. OK, so on to Mt Rushmore. If the mountain doesn't take your breath away, the museum on the lower level will. The engineering alone is amazing; not to mention the pride and patriotism those men had! After, yes more post cards and a bunch of pictures, we headed for the barn. Got back to the hotel just in time for the kids to fall asleep. Now that the blog is caught up and Sarah is almost done with home work, time for some shut-eye before our adventure tomorrow; WALL DRUG, HERE WE COME! And the corn palace, too. Also, we change time zones again tomorrow; now we'll be plus 2 hours from the family (FYI).

You guys keep readin', I'll keep writin'

JS&K

Sturgis baby!

Just checked in @ hotel in Rapid City after a decent uneventful drive and lunch in Sturgis. Goin for a quick dip in the pool then off to Rushmore & Crazy Horse

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