4 Years Later

Happy Anniversary, Sweetie.

My "Happily Ever After" is everyday with you.

St. Augustine Beach

A few days after arriving in Florida, we headed to St. Augustine Beach on the east coast. The sand was powder white and the ocean water was nice and warm. We are used to the shockingly cold water of New England beaches, so I was surpirsed when I didn't have to hold my breath when I jumped in.

It was Katie's first trip to the beach

My first attempt to post a video...

Ultimate Road Trip

To those of you who faithfully follow our blog, we have arrived safely in Florida.

We took the opportunity to see the sights during our move down to Florida.

We hauled our trailer with all of our belongings.

We had a month with no obligations.

Just the open road.

Here are the highlights of our trip...

We camped the entire time.
We stayed at KOAs which have hot showers and electricity.

Jonathan bought a springbar tent large enough to house an army. Or one wife.

Katie got a bath everyday in her collapsable bathtub. She loved it.

Church history sites in Palmyra, NY

Palmyra Temple

Times Square in NYC

We were able to see just about every major "tourist" attraction.

The city exceeded my expectations. It was cleaner, less crowded, and more friendly than I expected. But then again, I guess I could be considered a "city girl" after living in the outskirts of Boston for four years. I'm ok with a little grime in the streets.

Jonathan wore his Red Sox T-shirt into Yankee territory. Brave Man.

Top of the Rockefeller Center

Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia
We tried three different sandwiches.

(Jim's on the corner of 4th and South is the best)

Battlegrounds in Gettysburg, PA

The humidity was visible in the air. Good preparation for Florida.

Stay tuned for Part Two...

Ultimate Road Trip--Part 2

We drove through Shenandoah N.P

and along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.

Self Portrait

Visited parts of Jonathan's Mission

Roanoke and Blacksburg, Virgina

(We also stayed with our friends, Tyler and Ann Burningham)

Great Smoky Mountains

Cherokee Reservation in North Carolina

We camped next to a beautiful lake with swans in Savannah, Georgia

A nasty storm passed overhead. Lightening struck across the lake and 100 feet in front of the truck. It was awesome.

Yippee! We made it.

We love our new home in Gainesville

Goodbye Boston

After living in Boston for four long years, it was finally time to say goodbye. We have some good memories of this area-its where moved as newlyweds, where we celebrated the Red Sox World Series, where our baby was born, and where Jonathan became a dentist.

But, we were more than ready to spread our wings and leave. We will miss our dear friends in the Revere 2nd Ward, eating out at Kelly's, and sitting along the Charles on the 4th of July.


BUT

Here is what we won't miss:


The crusty Boston attitude: if you are friendly to a stranger they automatically think you want something or you are from out of town. I would be friendly just to make the locals suspicious.

Endless frigid winters: The beaches are beautiful, but 63 degree water is considered warm.

Driving: Getting honked at the second the light turns green, attempting to swerve around a landmine of potholes on toll roads, and getting flipped the bird and cut off at the same time for simply driving down the street.

Big Liberal Government: "Taxacheusettes" is far from what historic Boston used to represent.

Cost of Living: A tiny city apartment, but at a hefty price. The houses are old and crowded with teeny yards.


Jonathan and I gave a hoot and a holler when we paid Mass Pike Tolls for the last time. Boston will always hold a place in our hearts, but it felt so good to move on!


P.S. Again, we miss our Boston friends. We love you guys!

Kevin and Chrissy's Wedding

The day after Jonathan's graduation, Katie and I flew back out to Utah for my sister Chrissy's wedding and some family fun. (Dr. J had to stay in Boston and finish up in the clinic.)

I decided to post this pic of Leisa with her cheesy smile because she is so cute with Katie, also, she never reads this blog anyway, so she'll never know. Ha!

Mr. and Mrs. Lyman at the luncheon. Such a darling couple.

Leisa and our friend Amanda. (Only people who could touch their nose with their tongue were allowed to sit at our table.)

Grandpa Goodsell playfully shushing Katie
(She was squealing the entire luncheon)

My Goodsell cousins, who I hadn't seen in such a long time.

Brittny is on the left and Stefani is on the right.

Is Kevin nervous about Chrissy's potential aim with the cake?
No, actually, it was a very tender moment.

Katie already loves Uncle Kevin. He is such a cool guy. I'm excited to finally have a brother-in-law on my side of the family.

Utah Trip in May-More Photos

Katie turned 8 months while in Utah. She loves crawling.

Katie with her cousin Nicole

Uncle Ellis

Raymond, Ellis, and Dad Overson

We meant to surprise Dad Overson with a birthday party, but he surprised us instead by getting on Ellis' bike and riding around before finally coming into the house.

Dad Overson on his 72nd Birthday. His hat reads "Don't Forget my Senior Discount."

Raymond, Annie, Ellis, and Katie

Mom with Katie on the lawnmower

When we visited Grandma Sykes, she had just found Grandpa's long lost WWII uniform.

It was in perfect condition.

Grandmas are the best!