First Hike

At the top of Mill Mountain

Smiles

 Yesterday afternoon we finally took part in the beautiful hills of Roanoke.  Kyle and I did not want to go to the gym in the morning so we decided that when he got home from work we would go for a hike.  We ventured out to Mill Mountain.  This is the famous mountain with the star on top.  The girls were real troopers...as their little legs were aching.  Amaria had the sweet seat on top of Kyle's shoulders.  We got up to the top had some snacks that I had packed (the girls will do anything for a snack:)) and then headed back down.  We hurried down because the sun was quickly setting and the woods are pretty thick for a dark evening hike. As we got down Kyle and I were commenting that we had fun and would like to do it again...Aubs piped in and said, "I never want to do that again."  She would much rather be at home watching a movie cuddled up on the couch.:)  We will have to work on her.

It is official

After a 2 1/2 hour wait at our lovely Roanoke DMV we are official residents of Virginia.  We now have our licenses, license plates, and the VA titles for our cars.  I am not quite ready to take off the WI plates on my car...but it will happen eventually.

I have to say that this transition has been easier than I was expecting. Now I know I may be speaking too early but things have really goon well. I thought that I would just sit around here and be so sad to be away from familiarity, family, and friends. Thanks to phone calls, texting, and emails I am doing okay.  I get that I will most likely go through some tough times in the future but for now I am thankful. 
For those of you who know me know that I do not like to put myself out there or to be in new situations.  Since we have gotten here I have gone to two new bible studies, a 'MOMS' group, a book club, and playdates.  That is NOT me.  Thankfully everyone has been very welcoming here and all of these 'new' experiences have been very comfortable.  It is overwhelming to me to have to start at square one with people. The friends in Waukesha that we left KNEW me and Kyle.  We didn't really have to explain things.  Please pray that God will quicken the process of making friendships.

Installed

Kyle is officially installed as the pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church of Roanoke.  This has been a very long process and last night it was all finalized.  The installation service was a real celebration.  Kyle's parents came into town last Thursday and we had a great time showing them around Roanoke and just spending time. 

The 'famous' Roanoke Valley tourist picture:)

More of Kyle's family arrived yesterday afternoon to take part in the service.  It was a special time to have 3 generations of Ferguson men take part in the installation service.  His grandfather did the sermon and his dad did the charge to Kyle.  It was a real blessing to watch so many people supporting and encouraging Kyle.  I am very excited to watch Kyle pastor this church and look forward to see how God is going to move.

Kyle answering the Installation questions

The men on the installation committee

Three generations of Ferguson Pastors

My crazy imaginative girls:)

We continue to settle in and the girls play pretend just like they always have.  Their favorite is to go around the house pretending that the ground is lava.  I think the get up that they all have on in this picture is protection from the lava....AND thank you to all who prayed for little Mari.  She has settled into her schedule well and is back to her enjoyable quirky little self again.

Time is flying...

Wow!  It is hard to believe that we have just had our 3rd Sunday here in Roanoke.  We have been busy everyday.  I apologize for the delay in getting to another post. 

Since my last update we have had a 'Welcome Home' open house for our church at our home, our first 'normal' full week, Elayna's first snow day because of 1 inch of snow, said goodbye to our amazing packers and first visitors, swimming at the rec center, a dessert making competition for the men at church, attending the Roanoke Mom's Club, purchasing a bunk bed and furniture for our living room, going to a school volunteer meeting, trying out new grocery stores (missing aldi), and...oh what else.

Day our at Mill Mountain

First Visitors 

We are settling in quickly and really enjoying the beauty of God's creation.  We can see mountains from our windows and love to watch the deer as they pass through our yard.  Yesterday I was at Walmart with Amaria and across the street from the store is a breath taking view of a mountain range.  We walked out of the store and Mari said, pointing at the mountains, "We go up there?"  Even she is amazed at what we get to see everyday:)   

Elayna is adjusting to school.  She struggles most mornings to go in with no tears but by the end of the day when we pick her up she is all smiles.  I chatted with a lady this past week who lives in our area in attempts to set up a carpool.  That will be very helpful...because I'm in my car way too much.  Please keep Elayna in your prayers that she would have an excitement about school and that the tears would stop.

Elayna's new class on the 100th day of school

Kyle is doing a great job at Westminster.  Last Sunday he started a sermon series on Acts.  We are both very excited to see what God is going to do here.  He has been very busy, we are working on balancing what life between work and family will look like.  This coming Sunday evening Kyle has his installation service.  Much of his family is coming out for that and his grandpa and dad are a part of the service.  It will be a real celebration.

Entry Way

Many people have asked to see our house...so I've got pictures.  Not all of them are great but you can get the gist:) 

Kitchen

Downstairs Bathroom

Dining Room

Living room...some furniture on back order

Family Room

Basement Play Area

Basement Play Area

Master Bedroom

Girls Bathroom

Girls Bedroom

Guest Bedroom...ready for guests:)

 ***I apologize for the pictures being all over...I have still not figured out how to get them where I want them.