According to several sources, it has been rainy in Boston and Utah this summer. We also have family in Alaska, where it rains all the time. We are sending you some Florida sunshine.....along with a long distance hug!
A lot has happened in the past few months, and I just sent a mass email with this blog’s link. So, if you are just tuning in, here is an update on our family:
Jonathan—Graduated from Tufts dental school in May. He started a one year general practice residency at the VA Medical Center on July 1st. He loves dentistry and is excited to own his own practice someday. He dreams of becoming scuba certified, deep sea fishing on his million dollar yacht, and discovering his own personal island while sailing the Florida Keys. In the meantime, he is relieved to be done with school and have his life back. Facebook is his latest pastime, along with snorkeling and practicing his Michael Jackson moves.
Marissa—I don’t know what to do with a husband that works regular office hours and has a fifteen minute commute. I’ve become accustomed to being a “dental student’s widow,” so having him home at 4:30 in the afternoon is a refreshing adjustment. Right now, I don’t have any outside obligations or church callings. I’m enjoying the extra time to myself, my family, and to make new friends. We’ve already had several adventures here in Florida, including trips to the most gorgeous beaches ever.
Katie—Turned 9 months old. She is crawling everywhere and it won’t be long before she is walking. It is a delight to have her in our home, and we feel lucky to be her parents. She continues to have a happy personality. Its fun to watch her discover the world around her. She totally brings out the kids in us, especially when we go shopping at Toys R’Us.
We are happy to be here in Gainesville. Our new ward is friendly with a good mixture of young student families and more established older couples. The city has wide, well maintained roads, on a grid, complete with bike lanes. (My Bostonian friends will appreciate that). There are 30 parks and plenty of open space to enjoy. Cost of living is affordable. It isn’t crowded, but the locals are diehard football fans. Go Gators! We live about 90 minutes from the beach and Disneyworld. And, yes, its hurricaine season. Bring it on!
We went to some gorgeous beaches on the west coast in the Gulf of Mexico.
Jonathan putting on his snorkeling gear.
We stayed in a cabin on a bayou about two miles from the beach.
Enjoying the scenery
At first, Katie only seemed interested in Dad's flip flop
I love the feeling of being wrapped up in a warm towel after swimming.
