Texas Summer

When I told people I was moving to Texas in the month of June, everyone would always say, "It is going to be HOT!" They were right, but I imagined it to be unbearable, bikram yoga like hot, and the heat wasn't nearly as bad as I imagined. I actually found it to be quite refreshing. After six years of foggy, cold San Francisco summers, the heat was a nice change. I had no idea how much I missed "summer" until I had it again. Texas caters to the heat, there are pools and splash parks everywhere, the inside temperatures are almost cold, and I love love love the shaved ice places. For the first two weeks we lived here, we probably went four times a week to the local shaved ice place. Audrey's favorite thing to say was, "Mom, you look hot, you should get a shaved ice" because the answer was always, "Okay."

Our first Texas summer was one of very mixed emotions. I was the "new girl" feeling unsettled and didn't know anybody. I didn't know where anything was or how to get anywhere. But as time went on, we met friends, good ones at that, I learned where things were, and we settled into a nice routine. We have had many people visit (later posts) helping to ease the homesickness. Our first summer in Texas has been a good one. I haven't blogged much about our new life here, until now!

June 20th, walking into our new home for the first time (please excuse the pink socks, I wore shoes that didn't show my socks). We had just gotten off our seven and a half hour plane ride (two layovers- thank you for coming and helping Marianne!) and we were exhausted. Not as exhausted as Dave and Bruce who had drove out a few days before and had spent three days unpacking as much as they could. Their hard work is greatly appreciated!

Audrey in her new room

Joshua in his new room. Hooray for own rooms (and having them unpacked already!)

We celebrated Father's Day the day after we got here. Dave is such an amazing dad, and he leaned all he knows from his dad. I feel so blessed to have married into such a great family.

First time swimming at one of the local pools.

Our own backyard! We have loved spending time barbecuing, swimming in our little pool and hanging out in the shade.

I celebrated my birthday the week after we got here. Marianne was still here so Dave and I were able to go out to dinner and then we drove around Dallas drooling over the beautiful homes. I turned the big 2-9 this year. Isn't this the age people want to be for the rest of their lives? The pressure is on! It has been good to me so far.

I thought my birthday was going to be a lonely day because we had just moved and I had no friends. But I was wrong. My sweet husband emailed my friends and asked them to mail me birthday wishes so I could feel loved on my birthday. I was very surprised when I opened my mailbox on my birthday and found sweet notes from my friends from high school, college, and San Francisco.

Marianne had to leave, even though we wanted her to stay for at least two more years, and we are so thankful for all she did for us. Bruce and Marianne were such a big help in this moving process and there is no way we could have done it without them.

Sitting on the cold tile floor to keep cool. Whatever works!

When the cold floor isn't enough, we sit directly in front of the fan!

Dave's first day of orientation was June 25th, and his first day of residency was June 29th. What's the difference between being a "student" and being a "resident"? In our case, a big fat nothing.

4th of July. Some friends invited us to their home for a BBQ and then we went and watched the fireworks. I loved how it was 92 degrees even at 9:30 pm. No more sweaters needed! Audrey and her friend Jesse waiting for the fireworks to start. They were both nervous it was going to be "too loud."

Anxiously waiting to see the first firework...

and she sees it!

Audrey's new favorite FHE activity is "running down the hill in our backyard". Mine too.

Joshua went through a little spurt of being quite the little firecracker. He cut four teeth at once, and I think he was testing his new Texas limits. I am happy to report my happy, sweet boy is back (most of the time).

We had a week or so of lots of rain, thunder and lighting. To pass the time we would go play outside in the warm rain.

Spending time with new friends, at said shaved ice place. Audrey and Tatum love each other.

So do these cute boys.

Tatum and Audrey are the same age, and Seth and Joshua are the same age...yay!!!

Girls night to watch The Bachelor finale. Mandy, me, Erin, Allie and Lisa. Thank heaven for these girls.

We have spend lots of time doing crafts in the cool indoors.

It was our 8 year anniversary on Aug 2nd. Mandy and Colby have the same anniversary so we all went out to celebrate. We saw The Proposal and ate tons and tons of popcorn. Fun night.

On our actual anniversary we made a cake to celebrate our family's birthday. Happy 8 years to our little family!

I am so sad that summer is coming to an end, but at least it was a good one!