Things are going well!

We spent the first day of 2012 on the beach :) 

We've been here for 11 days now and I must say things are going great so far! I'd say 80% of things are unpacked and have found a home. That last 20% is the hardest! It's all the stuff that I don't need right at the moment, but have no idea where to put.

Today we went for a bike ride around the neighborhood. We live in a development where families can pick a style of house out of 4 or so different models - so all the houses around us look identical to ours, just a different shade of beige. "Cookie cutter houses" as they are loving referred to. Not our style, but it's a million times better than the last house! I don't love that we are kind of far away from everything and that the houses are all so close together, but there's a pool and sidewalks so we'll be just fine. Other positives include our own bathroom/walk-in closet in the master suite, a DISHWASHER (!!!!), an attached garage, a large, open living area. Maybe I'll give you a video tour soon?

The tricky part now is getting ourselves acquainted with the area. Finding things to do, friends to play with, a church to call home. We've been to 2 so far. All old people. (Literally. At both churches we were the only family with young kids.) And I love old people! But we're looking for families. People like us, with small children, who can be our friends. We will keep looking - I know it's all a process.

The kids have been doing so well. They really have been taking care of each other. Reese got to Skype with her friend Talia tonight, which was so good for her. She was giggling and acting silly like they were really together. It kind of makes me tear up just thinking about that. I worry about her making friends and feeling like she fits in somewhere. (Expect future emotional posts - I have a feeling there will be a few...)

And did you know, in Florida they celebrate New Year's Eve with fireworks? Not like a community show, like random people everywhere just shooting off big fireworks. All. Night. Long. We put the kids to bed around 8ish, and got so annoyed because the neighbor across the street was lighting off big LOUD fireworks and keeping the kids up. Then we realized it was everyone, with a ton a midnight. Who knew?!

We sure do miss everyone already. I miss phone calls and texts from friends wanting to get together. I miss having a bunch of little things to do on my calendar. I'm hoping God will reveal to us why we are here soon. Although, who knows, it could take years!