Spring Break in Houston

A few months ago, we discovered that Pete and his brother, Brian (in medical school in Houston) had overlapping spring breaks! We were able to find some cheap flights and decided it would be super fun to go visit Brian and Ashley. It was sad that Ash wasn't on Spring Break too, but I was so glad she spent as much time with us as she could amidst the busy-ness of nursing school. It was so fun to be with family, and Brian and Ash were excellent hosts! They let us sleep in their bed, gave us cool Texas T-shirts, and had a never ending supply of fun activity ideas and yummy food plans. They also made arrangements to have a high chair and pack-n-play for Ems which made the visit go very smoothly. We had such a great time with them and I really hope we can see them again soon!

Our adventures included:

A trip to College Station to have dinner with Aunt Kath. Pete and I hadn't seen her since we got married, so it was great to visit her. She fed us Deee-licious food and gave us a tour of her little bakery. Anyone who knows Aunt Kath knows that she makes amazing food. She sent us home with leftover dinner and her famous cinnamon rolls.

Me, Aunt Kath, Ems, and Pete standing outside the bakery: "Mrs. T's Big Buns" :)

I love this face of Em's...her mom makes her eat squash...life's rough.

RODEO! We had so much fun watching mutton bustin', sharing delicious barbecue/Mexican/everything fried, and my favorite---the petting zoo. Emery was so excited to see and touch all the different animals

Between the 4 of us, we sampled a lot of fried goodness: fried red velvet cake, fried cookie dough, fried oreos, and fried snickers (the best!)

All of us, watching mutton bustin'

Pete's dream car ;)

Eating yummy barbecue with my cute husband :)

Can you see her "excited hands" in the upper left corner? She flexes her arms, clenches her fists, and shakes when she gets reeeeally giddy :)

Strawberry Picking. We went to a U-Pick Strawberry Farm and picked strawberries to make homemade jam with. We may or may not have also tried a fried pie made with fresh peaches. And it may or may not have made my life complete. Mmmm.

Emery especially loved strawberry picking. From the pictures, you can easily see her transformation: cautious, curious, ecstatic, and...a big mess :)

On our last night in Texas, we put Emery to sleep and hung out at home chatting and playing Jenga! We had so much fun and came home missing Brian and Ashley. Hope to see you guys again soon!

Half Marathon

Just after the race! 1:55:15 (8:45 min/mile pace)

You know that great feeling that comes from finally accomplishing a goal you've been wanting to tackle for years? That's how I felt this past Saturday after running my first half marathon! I've always thought it would be fun to do a half marathon, but somehow, something always managed to get in the way. I even came close to completing a training program a couple years ago, but actually running the event I was training for just didn't pan out.

Here are the reasons why I was successful this time around:

Number 1: I had an awesome friend to train with! This seriously made a huge difference. In the past, I've been pretty self-motivated to run. However, having Emery really changed my desire to exercise (mainly due to sleep-deprivation). Lindsay got me out the door and running again after having Ems, and it was a really good thing for me. We do our daily runs with our babies in jogging strollers around the hilly neighborhoods surrounding our apartment complex. When we first started, I thought I would never be able to complete a run without stopping to walk. The hills were abundant and pushing a stroller up them seemed to take much more endurance than I had. Since then, I've come a long way and now it's no problem to do a 4-5 mile run with Emery in the stroller, up the hills that used to make me die. Yay for progress! Luckily, we found a flat road and flat trail along the Chatahoochee River where we were able to do our longer runs (and usually got to leave the babies with their dads). Well worth the 20 minute drive to get there!

Before the race

After the Race

Number 2: Peter. Definitely couldn't have done it without Pete watching Emery on Saturdays during my long runs and during the race itself. During my training, he even stepped in to run with me a few times when Lindsay was out of town. I also appreciated his support during the race and agreeing to the weekend trip to South Carolina where the half-marathon was located. He gave me a great pep talk as we were on the way to the starting line and him and Emery were wonderful cheerleaders! Once we get his foot and ankle problems figured out, I'm hoping we can do more running together, because we both enjoy it.

Number 3: I registered ahead of time for the race. Nothing like laying down $60 to increase your motivation to follow through! Lindsay heard of a great half marathon in Greenville, SC. Scenic, mainly flat/downhill, not too expensive, and only 2.5 hours away. It was perfect for our first half-marathon and I really wouldn't mind making it a yearly tradition as long as we live within driving distance.

An added perk of this race is that my friend from college, Stephanie, lives with her hubby and soon to be baby about 30 minutes from Greenville, so we were able to spend the night with them before the race and hang out in Greenville together after my race. It was so fun to see them! We ate lunch together at this fun Mexican-Carribean restaurant and then walked around downtown Greenville.

 I absolutely fell in love with Greenville---it didn't seem like a big city, even though it's decent sized (3rd biggest in SC I think). The downtown area where the race ended was so cute and surprisingly clean. There was also an amazing park with a curving floating bridge that wound over a river and waterfalls. The day of the race was the perfect temperature and as we were walking around that afternoon, we saw people having picnics in the grass by the river and kids plaing in the falls. It was a beautiful scene that surprisingly was right in the middle of the city. Maybe my runner's high was still in effect at this point, but from what I could tell, Greenville seemed like a great place---awesome parks and running trails, an amazing looking children's museum, and even a zoo, all without the "big city" feel.

While I still have no desire to run a full marathon, I hope there's several more half's in my future. I also hope I get to do this one again in the years to come!

Vacation

{Pete working outside at the "Tree Farm" as his home is affectionately called.}

{All the Hoyt brothers}

{Me and one of my wonderful sis-in-laws, Ashley}

{Emery watching the football game with cousin Hannah Z and Aunt Hailey}

The holidays have been good to us. 

Verrrrry good to us.

2 weeks in Nyssa with my family, 2 weeks in Washington with Pete's family, and in 2 days it will all be over and we'll be home.

I wish I would have kept up with the blog posts, but, quite honestly, I was having waaaay too much fun. 

I'll try to catch up once I'm home :)

Georgia

I really love Atlanta.
The minute I stepped out of the airport, however, I knew the humidity was going to take some getting used to. It's been in the high 90's each day we've been here.
I've basically learned that the heat isn't too bad...as long as you stay inside :).

There's also two pools in our apartment complex that we have definitely been taking advantage of. I just bought Emery a swimsuit so she will be able to do more than just dip her toes in the water or sit in her car seat in the shade. The air smells delicious here---sultry and hot with an occasional breeze of sweet magnolia. Everything is so green! It reminds me of Washington in that way...except here it's a hot, happy green instead of a gloomy, overcast green. I really think both kinds are beautiful though. I am also loving having a 2-bedroom apartment. I keep being amazed as I unpack each box and actually find a place for everything! So wonderful. A not-so-awesome thing I am learning about Georgia is the bugs. We've had more bugs/spiders in our apartment in the week we've been here than in the two years we lived in our Utah apartment. It's not too bad though and the maintenance people at our apartment complex do a really good job at spraying and keeping the places nice.

Things we've been doing so far include...

-having fun with Brian and Ashley until they left for Washington

-mad Craigslisting (got a couch, love seat, pillows, 2 end tables, coffee table, dining room table, 4 chairs, place mats, washer, and dryer all in ONE day. And for VERY cheap too.)

-finding familiar things (like Costco, Ikea, etc.)

-lots of unpacking (almost done! Just a few more boxes to go I think.)

-driving to church (which takes 20 minutes! crazy.)

-taking a little tour of Emory University 

-having lunch, dinner, and pool dates with the super nice people in our ward

-hanging up hooks, buying a vacuum, and otherwise making our little apartment a home :)

-trying to spend time together before Pete starts school

It's amazing how much effort it takes to get settled! I feel like it will probably take another 2 months before I have everything hung up and organized. It's good that between Emery and getting unpacked, I will have lots to do while Pete is slaving away studying. 

Here's a few pics...

smelling the magnolias

Brian and Ashley with Emery

Uncle Brian and Emery

Walking around the apartment complex

Magnolia

so green!

Moving Day

Who would've guessed I'd be so sad to leave Provo?!

My emotions didn't leave anything out, that's for sure. I shed tears at the Hendricks the night before moving day, then as I packed, then when my parents left, then when Pete's parents left, then as the U-Haul trailer left, and of course, when finally Pete and Emery and I left.

My parents, the Hendricks, and Pete's family all helped out so much. I'd still be packing in Provo if it weren't for their hard work boxing up and cleaning up our apartment. Brian and Ashley were kind enough to actually drive the car pulling the U-Haul trailer all the way from Provo to our apartment in Atlanta. Not only that, but when they picked us up from the airport in Atlanta, they had already unloaded all of our stuff into our apartment. Seriously. Can you see why I get emotional having to be so far away from such awesome people? Pete and I are so grateful for all the help from our family; we couldn't have made this move without them.

Maybe I'm too sentimental, but moving to Atlanta meant more to me than just leaving Provo. It meant leaving behind lots of family members within driving distance, leaving the place where Pete and I fell in love, the first apartment that we brought our little baby home to. I just kept thinking of how a wonderful chapter of our lives was ending. However, I realize a new and exciting one is about to begin---complete with new challenges and adventures. It was right for us to come to Georgia, and I know we are going to grow so much as a family. 

Here's some pictures from moving day...

This is one of my favorite pics. Emery and Grandpa J spent the morning together. She was so sweet and just let him hold her and play with her. She must've known it would be the last time for a little while. 

At one point during the packing craziness, I set Emery down alone in an almost empty room so that I could  help pack in another room. A while later she started fussing a little bit. Luckily, Hannah, Eli, and Asher went to play with her. I came into the room to find her happy and babbling with the cute Hendricks kids. I was glad they were keeping her company! Look at Eli and Emery about to touch pinky fingers together...I didn't even see that at the time I took the picture. So cute!

Emery and Hannah Z. 

In A Nutshell

I’ve got about 10 blog posts worth of words brewing in me right now, but considering the current state of my life (sitting in my living room in Atlanta, using a cooler as a computer desk, surrounded by boxes), just a little one will have to suffice for now.

Our last days in Provo went by in a blur of wedding, baby blessing, family pictures, saying goodbye to all our family, and packing/cleaning. Emery did pretty well on the plane ride…which is impressive considering the flight from Denver to Atlanta where I sat trying to breastfeed, sandwiched in the middle seat between two large women who refused to switch Pete seats so he could sit by me. Considering my claustrophobia and Emery’s refusal to nurse even in ideal settings, I’d say we did pretty well. Emery's two fussy sessions caused my silent seat partners to merely turn up the sound on their headphones and continue staring out the window.

And now we’re here. 

Georgia is beautiful and we love our apartment!

We're just trying to unpack, organize, purchase furniture, grocery shop, and familiarize ourselves with the area.

More posts and pictures on all that's been going on to come later.

Virginia

Last weekend, Pete and I traveled to Winchester, Virginia for Pete's PT school interview at Shenandoah University. Here's what we did:

* Spent unnecessary time traveling in the dark on a tiny one lane country road framed by gigantic trees and packed with snow. With deer bounding across the road every once in a while, we began to doubt the credibility of our "trusty" GPS that had led us hence. Thankfully, we eventually made it to our hotel.

* Pete interviewed at Shenandoah University in Winchester. Because he got an interview, he's automatically on the waiting list. In a month or so, we'll find out if he's accepted. He really likes the school and thought the interview went alright.

* Meanwhile, I enjoyed a blissful morning by taking a 2 hour nap, exercising in the hotel's fitness center, swimming in the hotel pool, and soaking in the hot tub. Lately I have immense gratitude for exceptional mornings like this one because when baby comes, I assume times like this will be few and far between.

* Drove over the Shenandoah River while singing "almost heaven, West Virginia, Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River...country roads, take me home to the place where I belong..." (Anyone else know that song?)

Terrible picture...but the best I could get from the car window

* Explored the city of Winchester. Loved the small town feel, super nice people, open spaces, fields, and rolling hills. I can only imagine what the place looks like in the summer.

* Wondered why the sky was so big in Virginia. Then realized there weren't any gigantic mountains blocking the view.

* Held hands in the car and simply enjoyed being together for four days straight! Heavenly!

* Spent a day in Washington DC where Pete almost froze to death and I became a candidate for foot transplants (due to uncomfortable boots). However, it was really neat to spend a little time in the city and see a few sites. We would love to go back sometime when the temperature is tolerable and I'm wearing tennis shoes.

Washington Monument

Pete was very impressed with the size of the pillars at the Lincoln Memorial.

View of the Washington Monument from the Lincoln Memorial.
(and me. Featuring uncomfortable boots and an almost unzippable tummy.)

The White House from a distance

Lincoln Memorial


The End.

Going Home

After trying unsuccessfully for months to find a free weekend to go visit my family, I had finally reached the conclusion that I would have to wait until Christmas.

However, when my hubby left for cold, windy Nebraska (Physical Therapy school interview) and my nurse preceptor unexpectedly switched her Friday shift to Wednesday, I decided the stars were aligned for a much needed weekend trip home! I threw some stuff in a laundry basket (that's my true packing style...who needs suitcases?) and left Friday morning around 8:30am to make the 6.5 hour drive home.

I experienced no major mishaps on the drive unless extreme boredom counts (note to self: solo road trips aren’t that fun). Once I was halfway home, it occurred to me that maybe I should call my family and tell them I was coming. I told my little sister Mallory, and she decided I shouldn’t tell anyone else. But then I talked to my dad and since I’m bad at keeping secrets, I told him too. The only folks out of the loop by the time I showed up were my mom and little Nate. It was fun to surprise them and so nice to be home! Friday night was pretty uneventful and due to the fact that I had gone to bed at midnight the night before, I opted for a 9:30 bedtime.

Saturday was full of fun activities. In the morning, I ate cocoa and toast with Nate (a family and especially Nate’s favorite).Then I found a cute pattern online for making headbands (click here for pattern). I convinced 11 year old Mallory, a much more proficient sewer than myself, to help me with the project and by the end of the day we had 3 or 4 cute headbands whipped out mostly using my mom’s fabric scraps. Here’s a couple:





Everyone except Quentin and my Dad (who had a youth temple trip that Saturday) were able to go pick apples at an orchard in Payette, Idaho. It was so much fun to do together! Next we shared pumpkin pie milkshakes, went to JoAnn’s to get crafty stuff and then home to finish the headbands and do other projects. That night I went on a long walk with my mom (I still needed 80 minutes of exercise that week!) and watched “Radio” with the kids. Fun day!







Sunday I went to Sacrament Meeting in my home ward and then hit the road back to Provo. Other than a little rain and snow, the only major mishap was locking my keys in the car while at a gas station in Burley, Idaho. As I’ve locked my keys out of the house at least once a week for the past month, this wasn’t a major surprise. Thank goodness for a wonderful locksmith that came and unlocked my car (and for a super kind husband that simply told me I’m worth a lot more than $45).

Once again, Pete and I decided that we HATE being away from each other. But if I can’t be with him, then I would definitely choose to be with my family, so it was a perfect weekend to go home. Pete felt like his Creighton Interview (Omaha, Nebraska) went well, and soon he’ll have a phone interview with Loma Linda (southern California). Then we will BOTH :) be flying out to Virginia for his interview at Shenandoah University. We’re still getting applications sent in to schools, so we’ll see what other interviews come our way!