Monday morning we woke up bright and early. Ty went to get the rental car they had reserved for us. We were excited because we had a choice of some brand new, 2010 sweet cars! Well, when Ty saw how much room there wasn’t in the cars he asked for a minivan instead!! I was laughing so hard when he picked us up in it because he always says he’ll never have a van!! My mom came and got Lincoln, and I cried when they left. I knew he’d be okay, but I was going to miss my little guy! Then we finished packing up the car and took off.
Poor Riley had to go to the bathroom “SO BAD”, but there was nothing in sight. Good thing we brought her potty seat along. It definitely wasn’t ideal, but it worked. I was thankful on a few occasions that we brought it with us!
We made it three hours without breaking out the portable DVD player, Riley took a nap and we chatted the whole way down. It was a very easy drive…well, I guess I can say that since I wasn’t driving :)! Once we got out of the cornfields of Ohio and into West Virginia we saw how beautiful it really is down there! Perfect time of the year to be making a long drive. The leaves are still changing and like Ty says “how can someone look at all this beauty and deny that there is a Creator?” It was beautiful, especially when you’re used to the “flat lands” of Michigan :).
Stopping for gas! (I think Ty was trying to watch the movie too!)
Hand her a sippy when she’s tired and she usually falls asleep drinking it! Works every time!
We stopped a few times at McDonald’s to have a bathroom break and for drinks and apple dippers. We order and I then decided that I wasn’t sure if we could move here because 1. none of the McDonald’s had Dr. Pepper and Ty seconded that because they had never even heard of a Frappe. We were in shock, seriously no frappe and no Dr. Pepper….and NO, Mr. Pibb does NOT count! We also knew we were getting closer to our destination because the accents were getting stronger and we were being asked if we were from North Dakota! Not sure why, but I guess that’s where it sounds like we were from.
What kept us going: Dr. Pepper and coffee!
We crossed over the bridge into West Virginia and the first thing I saw was a trailer park–I about freaked out. haha, Ty says I saw it only because that’s what I was looking for. Don’t act like you all don’t believe the West Virginian stereotypes everyone talks about!! I know I did. Anyways, we found our hotel, the Hampton Inn. It was very nice and once we got our mini unloaded we jumped back in and headed out to check out the city. We were right downtown Charleston (the capitol)–that’s where Ty may be working. It was 5:30pm and we were shocked at the traffic on the street during rush hour. It was exactly the opposite of what we thought. Rush hour means LOTS of cars, etc, but not in Charleston. There were literally a handful of cars on the streets and we’re told that’s how it always is! That will be wonderful if he does get the job!
The Ohio River Bridge connecting Ohio and West Virginia!
We found the mall and I was in shopping heaven. I told Ty he could take the job because their mall is great! 10 times better than the one here or in GR. I was thrilled. Honestly I didn’t know if they would even have a mall–like I said, I totally thought of WV differently than it really is! We went to dinner at Outback and then drove around the city trying to find his building and where his interview would be the next morning. We went back to the hotel, Riley jumped on the beds and I’m pretty sure Ty would have to if the ceilings were a little higher, watched movies, then tried to get Riley to sleep! It took a LONG time, but finally by 10 she was snoozing in her own bed.
The next morning began bright and early…to be continued!
shelbypaulk.com 
Sounds like a great trip! 🙂 I LOVE the pic of Riley jumping between the beds too! Got it mid-jump! Praying for you guys and the big decision!
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I love that pic of Riley too! W. VA is beautiful! I've been there twice and would so move there if we ever found job opportunities over in that area! Good luck w/the decision. Keeping your family in my prayers. 🙂
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I think the cost of living in West Viriginia is cheaper too, which is a plus. I went to college in Frostburg, MD for 3 years and it is honestly not that far from West Virginia. I hope you guys make a decision that is best for your family.
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I'd miss you, but I know God will lead you in the right direction 🙂 And if it's got a mall for you, I think you're all set. Just make sure they have Gymboree, right? 🙂 Love you, girlie. If you're leaving, we'll make a point to see you again before you do the big jump 🙂
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LOL We have Dr. Pepper here!!! 🙂
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that's an awesome picture of Riley!!!! 🙂 The south is definitely different! That's where I'm from (Florida- and NOT the Orlando area- more of the hicks/sticks part of FL!) but I love the weather!! 🙂
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I hear ya on the weather, Ashley, I can't wait for that!!! Ty wants a \”white Christmas\” but I don't really care either way :)!
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