Welcome to the Sunshine State!

It has been a long couple months, but we have travelled some miles since December 16th when we said "Goodbye" to our dear friends in Oregon and headed east...well south first, then east!

We started our adventure in the midst of an unexpected snow storm in Oregon. We must have left right in time because thankfully we made it out of the state before the weather really turned. With two cars completely loaded down and walkie-talkies in hand, we began the 4,000 mile journey!

Our fist night on the road was a hotel in Sacramento. We were so thrilled about getting a goodnight sleep and getting on the road early in the morning, until the fire alarm went off at 5:30am! The entire hotel had to evacuate. We grabbed the car keys and stayed warm there until the hotel was clear. Apparently somebody on the third floor had the bright idea of cooking some breakfast in their room and burned it. Rather than keeping the smoke in their room, they fanned it to the hallway and gave everyone an earlier than expected wake-up call.

After repacking the cars (we got really good at this!) we were hoping to arrive in L.A. late afternoon to stay with friends. But, L.A. also seemed to be getting the same weather as Oregon and the closer we got the farther we ended up being. The interstate was closed through what's known as the "Grapevine" or the pass that you go through before dropping into the L.A. area. Not only was the interstate closed, but every other road around it. A 6 hour drive turned into 14 and we never actually made it. We had to stop on the road and then head into L.A. via Hwy. 101 in the morning. This really put a damper on the trip, but we knew that would be the last of bad weather we would have...atleast snow and ice weather.

Daniel's brother Michael drove from San Diego to El Paso with us and then we finished the last drive on our own into Houston. We spent about 10 days with Daniel's family in Houston, New Year's in Dallas with friends, and then Daniel and I parted ways. He had a two week class in Gulfport, MS, and I rendesvoued with my mom and her friend in Panama City for a girls R&R time!

We were able to get into our rental house on January 15th and got out of our suitcases and cars as fast as we could! We were so tired of searching for this shirt, or that pair of shoes, or that book...etc! Moving is definitely adventure but, boy, can it drain the heck out of you!

Daniel started dive school on the 20th and his schedule has drastically changed since grad school. He's up and out the door by 5:25am every morning. It's been hard for me to get used to this schedule. I am making myself get up earlier too so we can go to sleep at relatively the same time.

The weather is starting to warm up a little and we're excited about hanging out at the beach. The water is so clear and the sand very white. We love taking walks, and throwing the frisbee and I'm enjoying sunset runs on the beach. We are very blessed and love Florida!

Come visit us in the Sunshine State!