Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Here We Are
I never in a million years thought I would live in Kansas. Even marrying a military man, Kansas was never on my radar. Japan? Sure. Hawaii or California? Yes, please! Norfolk? Duh. Even places like Guam, Bahrain, and Italy have been on our radar and could be places we call home eventually. But this has come as a surprise. This is surprise that I am still adjusting to, growing into, and finding my peace with.
To be honest, I have been pleasantly surprised so far. I really like the house we are moving into today. It is a 1902 place with 14 foot ceilings and a ton of character. It is all on one level which will make raising my crazy toddlers a little easier. And the best part? We don't have to worry about heating or cooling the monster. That was our biggest complaint about our 1952 Georgian in Norfolk - holy heating bills - it bled money. So there you go people, your tax dollars at work heating my huge house on Fort Leavenworth. Once we get unpacked I will post a little tour of the place.
Driving through Kansas City it was easy to see that I would have zero excuse to be bored here. I'm excited to see the Chiefs and Royals play. Professional sports on the east coast are difficult to get tickets to and extremely expensive. Kansas City doesn't tend to produce world champion caliber teams, but it is much more feasible for a family to enjoy a day at the park. I'm excited to try the steaks and barbecue that this place is renowned for. We will definitely try to find all of the fountains, go to the zoo, the children's museum, and Union Station. It will be fun.
Closer to home in Leavenworth I have been pleasantly surprised at how quaint it is. Last night on our way back to our hotel we drove a few blocks of the "downtown". According to the few locals I have chatted with, the town of Leavenworth is experiencing a revitalization. I was impressed at the independently run book store, art stores, toy stores, and restaurants. I was really concerned about Leavenworth being a "Wal Mart town" but I couldn't be more wrong.
To be honest, I have been pleasantly surprised so far. I really like the house we are moving into today. It is a 1902 place with 14 foot ceilings and a ton of character. It is all on one level which will make raising my crazy toddlers a little easier. And the best part? We don't have to worry about heating or cooling the monster. That was our biggest complaint about our 1952 Georgian in Norfolk - holy heating bills - it bled money. So there you go people, your tax dollars at work heating my huge house on Fort Leavenworth. Once we get unpacked I will post a little tour of the place.
Driving through Kansas City it was easy to see that I would have zero excuse to be bored here. I'm excited to see the Chiefs and Royals play. Professional sports on the east coast are difficult to get tickets to and extremely expensive. Kansas City doesn't tend to produce world champion caliber teams, but it is much more feasible for a family to enjoy a day at the park. I'm excited to try the steaks and barbecue that this place is renowned for. We will definitely try to find all of the fountains, go to the zoo, the children's museum, and Union Station. It will be fun.
Closer to home in Leavenworth I have been pleasantly surprised at how quaint it is. Last night on our way back to our hotel we drove a few blocks of the "downtown". According to the few locals I have chatted with, the town of Leavenworth is experiencing a revitalization. I was impressed at the independently run book store, art stores, toy stores, and restaurants. I was really concerned about Leavenworth being a "Wal Mart town" but I couldn't be more wrong.
A quick iPhone snapshot from our drive last night
The base post itself looks more like a college campus than a military installation. I am used to lots of noise with airfields and above-ground steam piping and ugly buildings from the 1970s. This place is all open green spaces, red brick, and historic architecture (oh yea, and a prison). It is so family friendly, and so many families live on Leavenworth that there are THREE elementary schools on post. On most Navy bases, the base housing is an afterthought and very limited. Here, the vast majority of the post is neighborhoods and schools and playgrounds.
We are hoping to have our house safe and orderly enough to really move in (kids and all) by Friday. I know Kate and Connor will be thrilled to see their toys and sleep in their own beds again. I am excited to start decorating and making our space home for the next 12 months.
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Hi, I'm Jill!
Extrovert. Mom of two. Wife of a cute Naval Aviator. Lover of wine. When I'm not chasing my two kids around town you will find me writing, taking too many photos, and researching the ten future areas the Navy could potentially (but probably won't) PCS us. We are fish out of water, landlocked at 7,000 feet. For now.
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4 comments:
I am glad you are enjoying it so far. I became homesick reading this post. There really is a lot to do in KC and the surrounding areas. There are a ton of towns that have the same spirit and attitude that Leavenworth does. Oh...and eat a ton of barbecue for me. I can't make it home this Christmas and I am really craving barbecue.
I really think you are going to love it! Can't wait to see the inside of your house :)
Just started following your blog. :) I currently live in Leavenworth with my mom while my husband is deployed! I was born and raised in KC, and I absolutely love it. There is so much to do! I'm glad to see your enjoying it here!
So happy you are enjoying it. I've heard wonderful things about Leavenworth!
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