Clearwater Beach

I love that Morgan has weekends off because it means we get to explore our new area! Yesterday we headed to Clearwater Beach and hung out at Pier 60. This beach is pretty far south, past Tampa and Orlando. We were in the car about 2 1/2 hours and by the time we got there, the kids were ready to get out and play. It was a beautiful day and the water was ridiculously warm so it was nice to just sit in the ocean and let the kids get smacked around by the waves. Max had a "reward" jar this week and earned himself a boogie board, which he loved laying on in the shallow area and riding some mini waves. London's favorite part of the day was when she discovered she could do the same thing just laying on her tummy with the waves pushing her around. That was hilarious to watch!

We walked around the fun little shops afterwards and only then got a map to see how cool Clearwater really is. Next time we are definitely going to head further down the coast to see some of the fun attractions and other beaches.

And of course, we ended our day with a quick trip to Costco. After we finally found it (thanks, GPS mom!) we spent some time enjoying samples, stocking up on diapers, and eating some dinner before the 2 1/2 hr drive back.

Such a beautiful beach, lots more crowded than Augustine and Crescent, but lots more to do. We'll be back for sure!

Rainy Days

The rain here is insane! Sometimes it's HUGE raindrops that feel like someone is just throwing buckets of water on you. This usually lasts about 5 mins. Other times the rain is misty and feels like the hose is set to "spray". It's just enough to get you damp and ruin your hair. The kids prefer the misty rain because generally there is no lightening. So, here we are getting damp and ruining my hair;)

Dad caught a what??

Max is always so excited to find things outdoors. Like today, he saw a kitten climbing a tree...totally made his morning. So, you can imagine how thrilled he was (me not so much) when Morgan found a frog out in the backyard and brought it in to show the kids. London liked it but Max kind of freaked her out when she tried to touch him (someone told him frogs were poisonous), and so she kept clear. Max loved it but didn't want to touch it. Trying to be brave myself, I offered to touch it first to show it was ok. Cringing and shaking, I petted the little thing and stood back to watch Max. I barely got the picture he was so fast, but I was proud of him and was grateful he said we should let him go.
Who needs a zoo? We've got a full-on amphibian exhibit in the backyard. Next wild animal we want to see, alive I should add, is an armadillo. Wish us luck:)

Oh, LONDON!

Seriously, I say that over and over ALL DAY LONG. She is my little trouble maker, whether it be finding her with a rogue marker getting ready to draw on the walls (probably an improvement!), pulling Max's hair (not a problem anymore!) or having her get away before her face or HANDS get cleaned off, it's always something with her.
But really. Look at that face. She KNOWS she can do whatever she wants and still be adored.

Hair today, gone tomorrow!

Max was very nervous (and very brave!) at first, but loved it afterwards. London was TERRIFIED we were going to do her next! She wouldn't go near the tub.

My gratitude list

I try not to complain, really. But the past few weeks have been a tad bit rough on our little family, and anyone that dares call me, sadly, gets an earful. In efforts to get me to stop complaining, my all-too-wise sister recommended I come up with a gratitude list...so after days of considering, here are 10 things I am grateful for...and in no particular order:
10. The squirrels that run around our backyard. Any time Max starts arguing with me or London starts yelling, I just shout "Squirrel!" (yes, like on the movie "Up"). Distracts them every single time.
9. My feet not being filthy all the time...I still don't understand why they were always so black in AZ??
8. London dancing in the kitchen until she falls over.
7. My moms texts just checking in on me.
6. 1 running car...I'd prefer 2, but I'll take the 1.
5. Really nice girls in Gainesville that are beyond friendly.
4. Phone calls from old friends.
3. Morgan trying to catch a frog to impress Max. What a good dad.
2. Karl Rove's 500 page book that gives me an excuse to sit in the bath and read every night. With jets that now work! (Again, grateful for Morgan!)
1. A pool a few houses away. I don't know how we'd fill our days without it.

So fine. I do have a lot of things to be happy about, and I know it. It's just hard to pull out of that moving funk. I guess I'm not as adaptable as I thought. Or maybe just spoiled from AZ. But, I'm in the Sunshine State for crying out loud! Best be getting my sunglasses on, my diet coke out, and enjoying it while we're here. After all, if time flies like it did for Med school, it'll be over before I know it.

Outside of our house

Ok, I'm working on pictures of where we live...

View out of our front door

Front of our house


More to come...

Can I have a taste?

What is it about Sundays that makes me want treats?? I guess it's something I've passed to my daughter...and she sure loves to help! Anytime I get that Kitchenaid going, she brings over the stepping stool and hops right on up, eager to shove her little fingers in for a taste!

Swimming, crafts, and playdates

Story of my life:)

All she needs is a diet coke

Makes me wonder what else she's picking up from me....

Anastasia Beach in St. Augestine

Morgan had the day off so of course we headed to the beach! The kids went crazy collecting shells, building castles, digging holes, and the favorite for both was definitely the time spent in the water. The water is definitely warmer here than in Cali...but I sure do miss that blue...

I'm ready to go!

Morgan helped the kids with the sand castle...London played King Kong and destroyed it within minutes.

Max was jumping and diving into waves like a maniac...until he bodysurfed and got a mouthful of really salty water...then he was done.


London is clearly having the time of her life...can you see that smile? She was laughing so hard, even when the water would splash into her face. This girl knows how to have a good time!


Collecting shells

Max was confused why we had to leave..."But mom, it's not raining yet!!" He was easily distracted with a kidsmeal, lucky for us:)

2 minutes into the drive home...ahhh...

Crescent Beach

We had the greatest time, too bad we got rained out.






Some of the girls in my ward invited us to the "local" beach. It took 2 hours to get there but once we did, the kids had a great time. We built castles, looked for seashells, and played with all the other kids. London INSISTED on wearing her life jacket. I didn't mind a bit because she loved being in the water. I only got the first part of the day in pictures, but towards the end, we just sat in the surf and let the waves hit us. Eventually some really scary clouds moved in and the lightening started hitting the water. Once the lifeguard made everyone get out we headed back to the car, but not fast enough. The rain is INSANE here! So, although we spent 4 hours in the car and less than 2 at the beach, we'd say it was definitely worth it!! Can't wait to head back:)

Week 2

Well we are in our 2nd week of Gainesville life and here's what we've been up to:

Swimming, every day. London only lasts about 15 mins and then she climbs out for snacks. I can usually get her to stay about an hour but she likes to lounge out for most of the time. Max has become a diving phenom! He can dive up to 4 feet and loves to swim the length of the pool and back. He's improved so much!




Planting was a fun activity. Every day the kids water their plants and see if they're blooming.




Making messes is a constant form of entertainment. I almost get as much time to unpack as I do cleaning up the mess.



Bug and Lizard catching! Max got a new bug catching kit and so every night we go out looking for gross bugs. The other day we were fortunate enough to catch a lizard! I let him go, though. Much to Max's disappointment.

(By the way, the tupperware is NOT the bug catching kit. That was the only thing big enough I could put him in.)

Mostly I'm still unpacking, organizing, and decorating. I am not ready to post pictures just yet of our new house, give me a few more days. I don't think you all realize how much I LOVED my Arizona home...it's been quite an adjustment.