We're moving to Washington!

An Olsen twin throwback, a home-buying saga, poll results, and a giant pile of gratitude

Oh hi there!

Things have been a whirlwind over here. Remember the scene in that one Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen movie where they mess up each other’s hair while blowdrying? That’s me.

Two weeks ago, we were casually looking at homes in Oregon and Washington. We spotted a few in WA we didn’t want to pass up, so we got a realtor (thanks to a recommendation from a friend), drove the four hours up, and visited a bunch of houses all in one day.

We had low expectations. A few years ago, we tried to buy a home after Aaron graduated from pharmacy school. We made about 15 offers and, despite having saved everything we could for a long time, we couldn’t even come close to competing as first time home buyers in such a competitive market. People were coming in with cash WELL above asking price, and we eventually gave up.

Fast forward to now…we found a home in Kitsap County, Washington that we both LOVED on our first trip up there, made an offer, the offer was accepted, the inspection went well, and our closing date is on November 11. WHIRLWIND!

I feel so excited and grateful that I’m contemplating getting bangs to signal this new phase of life. Good idea or bad idea?

Also all of the people who guessed Washington in the original poll now know they have psychic abilities. Congratulations!

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Speaking of polls, here are the results about video on substack for those who are interested:

Thanks to all those who participated! This helps me understand how many of you are feeling about video on substack. And it helps me organize my exciting plans for the future of AT THE KID TABLE (ooh, intrigue).

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I know it has been a while since I’ve been able to share book stuff and creator studies and podcast conversations, so I appreciate your patience as I experience this transitional time in my life. It’s been fun and exhausting and inspirational and so many other things all at once.

If little Rachel knew that making children’s books and having adventures like these were in her future, she would be like this:

Thanks for sitting with me AT THE KID TABLE. I’ll always save you a seat next to me.

Your turning-the-page-to-the-next-chapter friend,

Rachel