It's typical...when I come back after an extended blogging "break," I never know where exactly to start. Do I start current and go back? Or vice versa? And I always underestimate the time it will take me to organize and sort the pictures I want to use in the blog posts. Either way, I guess these are good problems to have. There is a lot to be thankful for when I reflect upon the last few weeks and months.
As you can see, I decided to "quickly summarize" our crazy summer first. Then, I'll go back and finish Hawaii things. Please bear with me as the next several posts will definitely be all over the place!
So back in early July, Dan and I left Hawaii. It was a bittersweet day for sure. While we left Hawaii on the same day, our destinations were to two very different places. Dan flew to Alabama for 6 weeks of training (for his new job). I flew to Dallas and spent some time with Dan's family and then onto New York to spend the remainder of the summer with my family.
In Texas...
I was reunited with Sydney (we sent her a few days ahead)!
Sydney's worsened allergy situation led her to a new (and awesome) mobile vet in Texas (who also happened to be my in-laws' next-door-neighbor). God is good!
I had my first shopping experience at the Container Store.
I saw a dear friend and her sweet boys.
Sydney learned new pool tricks with Uncle Matt.
It was a great week with Dan's brother and parents. Seeing Despicable Me 2 (in 3D!!) and shopping at Gracie Lane and Sam Moon were other highlights.
In New York...
{When looking through my photos from NY, we basically ate. a lot. and I spent tons of time with family}
We relaxed by the pool.
Kate and I spent an afternoon on Jer's boat.
Aunt Lianne and Uncle James visited for a weekend.
We celebrated my beautiful cousin at her baby shower. (Noah Douglas was born August 18!!)
We had a huge family dinner at the Glenville Queen Diner (a family favorite)
I saw these cute pooches again. Bella (Sydney's sister) and Luke (my sweet 14-year-old Shiba Inu).
We went to NYC (on our way to Long Island) and saw these two again...
We saw Cinderella on Broadway. To say it was magical would be an understatement. Favorite. Show. Ever.
We visited family friends in Long Island.
Jon came home for a weekend. We cooked more food and took more family photos (no surprises)
I helped Mom have a garage sale...in the rain.
I spent a lot of time with my grandparents.
I spent some time with friends and their cute kids...but not nearly enough! (And I'm so sorry to the friends I didn't get to see while I was home this time)
Kate and I helped my friend Cair do a photoshoot for her new line of hair accessories. Visit her Etsy shop! Two Sparrows Headbands
{The amazing Nancy Noble took the next photo}
We celebrated mom's birthday early.
We had one last big family BBQ and Dad used his new grill, The Big Green Egg.
Blessed family. Cherished summer memories.
Meanwhile, in Alabama...
Dan was having all sorts of Army adventures.
You have to watch this video to see what part of his training included...click here. Crazy!
He's officially a Flight Surgeon!
Then...finally...we were reunited! Dan and I met in Dallas for one whirlwind weekend.
On Saturday, we purchased a car - big FIRST for us! It's a 2014 Subaru Forester. We love it so much!!
It was waiting out front for us when we arrived.
Signing the papers, making it official.
Driving away!
On Sunday, we visited Dan's parents' church and spent the afternoon enjoying their beautiful backyard+pool.
(Someone definitely misses the water!)
And finally, on Monday, August 19, we completed our move from HI to CO. We left Texas (in two cars) and started our 11+ hour drive to our new home in Colorado Springs.
Phew!!!
All of those logistics I was stressed about in my last post worked out just fine. God took care of every detail!
Keep Smiling...
