The itch

Lately, Tim and I have started to feel the "itch".  The itch to travel, move and explore new places. This itch becomes a little harder to scratch with three little ones. We are having a hard time deciphering if this is just an itch for a trip or to actually move and explore new places. I know people think we are crazy, we haven't even been in Wisconsin for a year yet. Besides the fact that Tim has to work every Saturday we are quite pleased with our current living situation. Although our families aren't as close as we'd like, we still see them fairly often. It is so beautiful to see the relationships develop between our children and their grandparents, aunts and uncles. And Tim and I have been blessed with so much help and support with our families during what has been a very challenging year with so many new variables thrown into the mix. Our families are constantly helping us with house projects and taking care of the kids so Tim and I can get out on our own.

I think weather is another big contributor to our "itch". We were lucky that Wisconsin had a really mild winter but spring has been really unpredictable so far.  But sometimes we both just yearn for warm weather year round, but not unbearably hot summers like what we had in Memphis. I like weather that allows you to run outside in shorts and a long sleeve shirt year round. Tim and I both love outdoor activities and sometimes it gets really frustrating not being able to enjoy the things we love most because of the weather. I think we would enjoy a climate like Northern California or parts of the Southwest. We've also thought it would be fun to pick up the family and live in another country for a year. This is a little more complicated because of Tim's optometry license and owning a house etc but it's fun to think about. If we didn't have kids we would've moved out west after Tim graduated but family has always been very important and a major priority for us.

We have always thought that we need to be more permanently settled by the time Sofia turns 4 so she can start school with the kids she will grow up with. If we end up staying where we currently are I know we would be in excellent shape. We live in one of the most gorgeous areas of the state that is known for being a wonderful place to raise a family. Tim has a good job and when I decide to go back to work I know hope I'll be able to find a good job in the area. There are so many family friendly opportunities and activities for kids. We like being within reach of Milwaukee and a major airport yet we get to enjoy the perks of living in a small town. Wisconsin is our home, Tim and I were raised here and for the most part we agree with what the state has stood for. If you follow politics you'll know that Wisconsin has faced some major changes in the past year. Anyways, it's hard to know which way to go. Staying in Wisconsin would be great, very comfortable and close to family. But Tim and I love to stretch and challenge ourselves and we actually really enjoy getting to know new cities. Although it can be tough not being able to keep the same set of friends when you move around a lot. We'll see what the next year brings for our family.