In Which We Are Floridians Again

The biggest news from the past two weeks is that we are finally in our new home in Palm Coast, Florida!

We took three days to drive here. The first night we stayed in Kentucky at the home of a couple from Brian’s mission. Brian taught the husband the discussions. We had a great visit and experienced some southern hospitality.

The hospitality continued upon our arrival in Palm Coast. We stayed for a few days at the home of the publisher of the paper’s in-laws. They were out of town and let us use their condo. When we got there the fridge was stocked and there were snacks waiting. It was really great.

Our truck arrived and delivered all of our belongings, including a few items we accidently stole from Brian’s parents. Luckily they will be coming to visit and bringing a few things that we accidently left there.

Jackson started school on Wednesday. He was excited and has adjusted really well. He now takes the bus which he loves doing and when I asked him what his favorite part of Kindergarten was he said, “Having gym outside.” It’s full-day kindergarten here and he has to take a lunch. I asked him how that went and all he said was that it was really loud, so loud he couldn’t hear the TVs they have there. Bummer.

Grant has adjusted pretty well. Among all the boxes he has been potty-training. He’s doing great and I am thrilled to only have 1 in diapers. He keeps saying that he wants to go to the sledding hill by Grandma McMillan’s house, though. But then I send him outside to ride his bike in our screened porch and all thoughts of the snow disappear.

Brian’s job is going great. He’s meeting lots of people and receiving lots of support from the community. I have started to work as well. I will be laying out the newspaper from home. I’m really excited to have a big project and help bring in a little extra money. I’m not sure that Brian is as excited about playing mom when I’m working, though.

This afternoon we took a walk on Flagler Beach. It was windy, so the waves were crashing. I really love water. Jackson kept walking up to the water and then running away from the waves and squealing with glee. He stayed dry for a little while, but eventually his rolled up jeans got wet, too. He had a blast. The sand there was really weird. There are lots of broken shells that stick to your feet. You literally have to scrap them off. We’ve heard there are other beaches that don’t do that; maybe we’ll try there next time.

For homework, Jackson has to read a book to us. The first two books were very easy and he read them in about 10 seconds. Friday, he came home with a 54-page chapter book. The assignment was to read 4-5 pages a day and bring it back when he was all done. He finished it this evening. So 18 pages a day instead.