An end and a beginning...

We haven't been updating our blog too much recently and I apologize. We've been in limbo since we've moved home from Edinburgh but we finally have some clarity. We are moving to Texas! Austin to be precise. I will be running a private company that develops software and firmware for the fueling industry. Stacie and I are both excited and as many of you know Stacie has a Texas connection having attended Baylor University.

Just this week we finalized our rental home and tomorrow we're getting our car (since we sold both of ours prior to moving overseas). The movers came and loaded all of our kit (Scottish for stuff) this morning and Monday we will hit the dusty trail to Austin. We'll meander our way South, stopping in Boise and Jackson Hole to visit good friends along the way.

Like the latest chapter of our life, this blog has come to a close, but we invite our faithful readers to follow along with us at http://salesinaustin.blogspot.com/

See you in Austin!

-Kyle

Family Reunion

After an entire year of separation, our little family has finally been reunited. Our sweet Mercedes has been living in Spokane with Kyle's mom for the past year, while Deacon got to travel abroad with us! We've been lovingly referring to her as "Timmy" (i.e. Timothy Lahaye from the 'Left Behind' series, if you are familiar with the novels).

Best buds again!

The Deacon-Mercedes reunion was not initially as happy as we had hoped. Mercedes was not too thrilled to see her older bro, but after a day she came to her senses and has been laying all over him ever sense. Thankfully, she was quite excited to see us! Leave it to a dog to make you feel like you're some kind of celebrity or something!

Kyle & I couldn't resist a little photo-shoot in the 'new' (used lightly here as you can see) family car. It feels good to all be back together again!

Kyle and "the kids" in the Beetle

-Stacie

Back in the States

Well, we are officially back in the States spending time with friends and family and it feels good! We flew from Edinburgh to Virginia and spent a little over a week with my family. One day we went down to Colonial Williamsburg with my good friend Katie and her boys Chase & Brooks.

Colonial Williamsburg

Katie & Me in Williamsburg

Kyle & I felt very nostalgic when we went in the 'Scotland House'. Katie even bought us a can of Haggis to enjoy here!

In front of the Scotland House

Kyle & Brooks playing with dinosaur eggs (aka rocks)

Katie & Me in the stocks!

During our week we also went to Harrisonburg to visit my brother Justin at JMU. He is a freshman this year! It is still blowing my mind that he is all grown up. I still think of him as being a little kid, but as you can see those days are long gone!

Justin & Kyle on campus

Last time we were in Virginia my parents had just gotten a german shepherd puppy named Moses. We were reunited this trip and now I am missing him! He's HUGE, but super sweet and endearing. After he got used to us, he followed us around the house looking for an ear scratch or tummy rub.

Sweet little Mo-Mo

We are now back in Spokane hanging out with Kyle's family. We should be here for the next few weeks- we'll keep you posted on our future plans!

-Stacie

Miltary Tattoo

Our last night in Edinburgh Kyle & I went to see the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. A military tattoo is a performance by a military band. As part of the annual festival in Edinburgh, they have hosted a Tattoo for the past 60 years. It included military bands from all over the world and is performed on the esplanade of the Edinburgh Castle. The event is viewed by over 200,000 people each year and has sold out for the past decade. Needless to say, it was quite spectacular.

Performers from China

Highland Dancers

Scottish Pipe Band

Swiss Drumline

Grand Finale

Fireworks

-Stacie