Oh So Busy....

It has been a while since I posted and mainly because we were without our laptop for a week.  My love of photos really ate up our memory and space, so had to get a little upgrade to keep on going.  Now that the MacBook is back in the house, we are up and running again.  I do love my iPad, but it really does not replace a good ol' computer!

Life up north has really taken shape and we are settled into a good routine now.   Using the GPS less and less each day and even managing to find shortcuts to avoid the dreaded Lancaster Ave - which is really a lot like Johnson Ferry but much longer and with more traffic and lights.  Avery is rounding out the last few weeks of cheerleading, while Madeline will continue on with gymnastics for a while.  The volunteering with events at the girls' schools has kicked in and we are finding ourselves plenty busy.   It is starting to feel like home and that is both wonderful and scary!

The highlights of the last couple of weeks have been visiting with family and friends we haven't seen in four months.   My parents came for a long weekend and we enjoyed the many sights, sounds, and tastes of Pennsylvania.   It has been really nice and mild for the most part up here, but they did manage to come into town the weekend we had some super cold and windy temps.   My parents thoughts were mainly "It is so beautiful up here.  We could live here IF it wasn't so cold".   Sadly, they didn't even experience a smidge of what it could (and most likely) will be like in a couple of months!  None the less, we had a great time and it filled my heart to be with my parents for a few days.

Then, this past weekend I celebrated my birthday present from Stan by flying to Florida to seem some of my favorite people from back home.   It was a laid-back, sun-filled, girls' weekend and I couldn't have been happier to have the time with my dear friends.   And of course, it was even better with none of us hearing the word "Mommy" for three whole days!!!   As if my heart wasn't full enough from my parents' visit, this time with my gals really put my happiness on overflow!

We have a busy few weeks ahead before we head back home to Georgia for Thanksgiving.  More visitors coming before it gets too cold for those southern souls :)  Looking forward to sharing this beautiful state with our company - the fall foliage up here is spectacular!  Hope you all are enjoying the changing leaves youselves.

Until next time - hugs and kisses!

Beautiful Valley Forge in Autumn

Reality Check

Well, we built our first fire last night.  I am pretty sure I could hear people laughing as us "southerners" bought wood and lit a match to warm our trotters.   However, it was cold yesterday and again today!  I think the Indian Summer is behind us here in PA and it is officially time to don our jackets, mittens, and boots for the year.

I am realizing that we aren't in Kansas anymore!  Some noticeable differences were when Costco had an entire section devoted to "snow survival gear", including snow blowers, shovels, seat warmers, flannel and fleece sheets sets, and snow suits for the entire family.   It actually put me into a frenzy and I quickly started to panic and crazy thoughts invaded my head - "Oh my goodness!  Do I really need all of this"  "What happens if it snows and we don't have any of this?"  "Buy! Buy! Buy!"  Well, my rational side took over and I left it all on the shelves, but did have a frank conversation with Hubby regarding what all we need to have and be prepared for up here.   I was told it snowed as early as Halloween last year!!  Oh my!

And the corduroy!   It may be in all the stores down home too, but I am pretty sure I was on fire just thinking about it, never really owned much.   But now I am thinking it is necessary and I see why Banana Republic, JCrew, Loft, etc. are carrying loads of it up here!  Not to mention wool sweaters, pants, etc.   I will be prepared for what mother nature brings my way.   Going to buy Uggs knowing my feet won't sweat in them like they did in Georgia :)

Oh, I am a big wuss - I know this.   It isn't even really cold - yet, anyway.   I just can't help but look at the 5 day forecast for my new home and compare it to my old - like a 20 degree difference.   One positive to the cold weather - haven't had to worry about a pedicure lately :)  To much info???

Happy Fall, Y'all!