Beautiful Virginia

YEAH BABY!! - We actually made it all the way cross country from Cali to Virginia!. The drive from Knoxville to Frederickburg was non-stop rain.. no kidding.. the second we got into the car to the moment we got out of the car it poured!! We got pounded by the rain.. I'm not sure i'd even call it driving.. it was more like boating...

We stopped several times to stretch and run around in the rain.. but that was about all the sightseeing we did.

The final photo of the drive that Marie snapped tells the story..

We finally got to our hotel room, dried out and hit the sack.. We were too tired to celebrate, but we all thanked God for getting us there alive and without incident.. God is so good!

The next morning we were treated with sunshine and some amazing scenes of our new hometown. (note to those in so cal: Those green things on the side of the road are called trees)

the Simpsons clouds

This mini adventure to just get to Viginia was really such a blessing it's ridiculous. The only thing that would have made it perfect was if Troy could have joined us.. ;) But i know this Jacobs' Adventure isn't finished.. I think it's just getting started. I got to hang out with my wife and kids and see the country in a whole new way. Once we find a home and settled I'm sure Troy will come and visit. Perhaps we'll plan the next road trip Jacobs Adventure!

to be continued...

Casey Jones, Knoxville and a Swimming Breakthrough

YIPEE! - We've made it to Knoxville! The drive from Memphis to Knoxville according to the map was a little over 6 hours.. but as our trip continues it seems to take us longer and longer to reach our milestones. I think this trip took us about 8.5 hours with all of the bathroom stops and sightseeing adventures included. I think rigamortus is starting to set-in in my tailbone and spine - ouch!

On one of our pee pee stops along the way we noticed a sign off the highway screaming 'Casey Jones Village' - One Mile Ahead... Yep.. we had to stop.

After a quick peek at the 6 dollar per person price tag for the Casey Jones attraction entry, we veered into the giftshop instead.. little did I know that would be a costly mistake. All my kids walked away with souvenirs... this had turned out to be one expensive pee pee.

The boys all wanted bandannas..

Sari was a little grumpy.. but soon gave into a smile.

After an hour at the Casey Jones Village it started to rain.. I believe it was Gods way of telling us to hit the road! - Thank you Jesus!

The last stop before we hit the hotel we opted to grab a bite to eat at a place we thought was Carls' Jr.... well, it's not..

Once we got to the hotel and noticed it had an indoor and outdoor pool (Baymount Inn). we deceided to stay two days instead of one to give the kids a break, have fun in the pool.. and to give my tailbone some RnR..

The next morning the kids wanted to swim.. and swim they did! By the time we left Knoxville.. Elijah and Joseph were offically swimmers! Drum roll please... For the first time, Elijah and Joseph swam without the aid of any floatation devices!!! YEAH Elijah and Joseph!.. I guess the endless hours in Grampa Bills mini pool finally paid off!.. Thanks GrPa Bill!

This magical place was a city of firsts for my kids.. Knoxville was the city that they learned to swim.. and it's also the city that they all ate at the Outback Steakhouse for the very first time!

After a long day of swimming and ginormous meals..it was time to chillaxe and kick-it at the crib.. word up homey!

Next stop is Fredericksburg Virginia.. talk to y'all soon!