Thursday, January 22, 2009

Enjoying Florida

When we arrive the people we were renting from were still living in the house when we pulled up to unpack our things. They had the understanding that they needed to be out on the 9th. We arrived on the 5th. So the first night we had to get a hotel . And then the next two night we
shared the house with the family. It was weird. Luckily the upstairs was cleaned out so we made up the beds and slept there. While the other family slept in the Master Bedroom. It all worked out. Our sweet new friends Brother and Sister Skinner helped them find a house to rent super fast. They are Awesome. We finally moved in on the 9th. We are very grateful to my mother who helped me drive down and then stayed a couple of days to help me get settled. We are also very grateful to Andy who came to help David get set up at their first show, but stayed a couple of days extra to help us move in as well. Thanks so much to the both of them. In truth the whole journey down was a real blessing, the Lord definitely was looking out for us.




The beach in Hollywood only about a 20 min. drive. We will be able to come to the beach often. There is a fun Oceanwalk with resturants and shopping boutiques. We did find out that the waves are Not big . We thought it was just at low tide. But all along the coast the waves are small. I'm okay with that, it's a little safer for the kids. And the water is always warm. Yea.




Joshua's first day of school.

He has a dress code. They can wear any color of shirt but it has to be a polo style. No jeans, cargo pants. Nothing with pockets, so we also had to do some shopping. He had a little bit of a hard day. Since his grades were so good in Idaho . They put him in some AP classes. So he came home with a ton of homework. He's doing better now and making lots of friends, that helps. He goes to school from 9am to 3:30pm.


The other kids are enjoying school as well. They too come home with a ton of homework. The schools here have more rules to follow. Schools are very different from Idaho. Gabe goes to school all day. They go from 8am.to 2pm . Gabe is loving it and doing good. He also has to learn all new sight words. And learn how to add. Which he didn't learn at Dalton. So we have to play catch up. But he's doing great. That's Gabe for you!



This is our Chapel. Yes, its yellow.

Members here have all welcomed us with open arms. We have been invited for dinner twice in one week. David also has received a call as the first Counselor in the YM, Surprise, Surpise. I'm still waiting. But I'm okay with that. We go to church at 1pm. So we have alot of time in the mornings.




When Andy was here, he went shopping with us and he saw these things, he just had to go back to the store and get this picture of a potato. ( we think) This spanish grocery store (Sedanos) had some very different grocery items, one of which was an entire Pig's head, Yuck. But we have found out that they have good prices on fruit and veg. But the workers all speak spanish. So I won't be going in without David, as everyone here automatically assumes that I speak spanish. Most people here speak both lanuage, so communicating so far hasn't really been a problem. I am getting better at understanding it than speaking it. It's like playing pictionary. It's been fun.

10 comments:

Gatten Gang said...

So glad for blogging..it brings friends across many miles! So happy to heqr your trip went well and that the kids are all back to school. Guess you have nothing to do Right???!!!!! Best wishes for David's job and a new adventure and future. It will be awesome! Living away from family somehow brings you closer together. We really loved being away the 6 yrs. we were in Provo and Chicago. Your testimonies will grow and so will your children. Enjoy it Jen and Dave..we will miss you, buck I am sure we will see you from time to time. Jean

The Larsons said...

Wow, you're already there! That was quick! Looks like you're getting used to things quickly. I am sure your kids will do great. And already getting callings. I love the new beach theme for your blog, and am jealous of the good weather. Big change, eh?! Congrats again, and keep posting!

Priebe Family said...

I am so happy to see the updates. We have been anxious to "picture" you in Florida. Still does not seem real. We miss you so much! Tell Kyndra to check out our blog for some cute pictures her, Emmalee and Mandy. Emma also started her own blog this weekend. I emailed you an invitation so check it out. The same pictures of Kyndra are ther as well. We love you all and miss you like crazy. Happy to see you all looking happy!

Dawna and Matt said...

About time! I must have checked every day. I cant imagine how crazy things must have been for you. No one told me David was called into the Young Men's. Suprise, suprise. What about your music?
Miss and love you the most!

Christy Ivory said...

Hey girl!! So glad to see you made it!!. I have to say I am wishing I was there on the beach rather then here in the freezing cold.. I am sure you guys will really love it.
Well hey, I love that we can stay in touch online. Hope all is well,

Unknown said...

So good to see you guys are doing well in Florida! Looks like a great area and who wouldn't want to visit with that water close by???

Lyman Family said...

Jen and Dave,
So glad to see you all so happy and that beautiful sunny weather. I hope that Joshua is like his school. Miss seeing him coming out of the building at Canfield. Kendra, bright sunshine, beautiful child. Loved talking with her and seeing her smile. Hailee will be missed by her 3rd grade friends at Dalton. Always a good friend to all. Gabe, oh cute Gabe, I was hoping that he would be around to become great friends with Abbie...:)Michael will follow in the Westover footsteps of being just the sweetest. Miss you Jen, think of you always. Heard you were pregnant and I dont know how that slipped but I was so excited to hear you are adding another addition to your beautiful family. I will miss you at Silverwood during the summer and our "talks". You have been a great friend and I hope that we can still stay in touch. Love you and hope you all enjoy Florida....I wish only the best for you Dave that you love and enjoy your new job. Take care of that wonderful family and write soon. Keep up the pictures. They are great.
Kelly Lyman

Lyman Family said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tyler and Mikin Morton said...

WOW!
You are really there.
And you are exactly right, Jen, this will be so good for you and your family. I am so excited to see your mom at church and get updates. She is so funny how she frowns and says how wonderful you are doing.... she is so happy for you. We are, too. It is always hard to make big changes, but like a mission, you forget pretty soon what life was like before and just get so busy doing what you are supposed to be doing. Pray all is well and love the sun. Could you please share? And that background with the flip flops is just plain mean!

Suzy Toronto Studios said...

OK, so the bigger waves come up the coast, further north just a little bit. I've been to Ft Lauderdale when the surf was so rough it wasn't safe to go in the water and then the next day it was flat.

Never underestimate the power of the ocean. Always check the flags on the beach for rip tides, undertows, or sharks. CHECK THEY FLAGS and know what each color means.

Glad you are here. I love it here and I hope you will all come to love it too.