We've Moved!

From the rugged Rocky Mountains to the peaceful towns of New England. Our family made a change that has shocked us more than we ever dreamed. In a good way. Moves in the past have been simple, dare I say "easy"compared this 2500 mile adventure, but the adventure continues day by day and we are blessed to be a part of the Canton community in Connecticut. In the 3 months that we've been here we have done well in transition and adjustment to new surroundings, culture, and accents, and... roads.

The house is on 14 acres, but only a couple are cleared (but mowing a couple acres is all we need!). We are in the middle of the woods, complete with multiple bear, dear, turkey, woodchucks, bobcats, coyotes, and any other New England wild animal you can think of. It took a while to adjust to that, but we have now named our visitors, and enjoy taking pictures of them. The ward is enormous, geographically, and small in numbers. Visiting teaching is a whole new kind of assignment out here - I drive about an hour each way, for one visit--but the rewards seem that much greater!

As for each of us in the adjustment:

Dave stepped right into his career in the insurance industry, a huge change from academia to say the least, and appears to be successful and content in his assignments and experiences there. It's a new rhythm and routine, new colleagues, and new opportunities. Future's looking bright for him, and the kids and I are proud of his progress.

I've jumped into my new territory with PARAGON, so far so good. Lots of potentials out there, and it's still early in the game. With several seminars and conventions coming up, I'm hopeful for a fantastic first year here. Otherwise, it's all about settling into the new home with the family, establishing a good routine for the kids, and finding a little time to set personal goals as well.

Dania is off to BYU but has already been back for a visit here. We saw a Broadway show in NYC, went to Rhode Island, Cape Cod, and Boston for flights. She has her new room all set up, and knows it awaits her. We are forever looking forward to the next visit, but are thrilled to Skype with her weekly. She is doing better than ever, off on her own, we couldn't me more pleased with her college experience so far.

Tori is incredible. I don't know of another 16-year old that could move across the country with as much grace and positive attitude as she has. She's jumped right into yet another school curriculum (3rd in 3 years), cross country team, and the youth at church. She is working hard toward college right now, it's a big year for her where that goes, and we are very proud of her hard work and amazing efforts. ACT this month, cross country season now, stake youth committee all year, and oh yeah... great grades. I don't know how she does it all.

Benny is a big boy and now goes to preschool. He just turned 3, is potty trained, sleeps in a big bed, and as usual, keeps us hopping. He has adjusted very very well, thankfully, and appears to be thriving in this new community. His favorite thing to do here is to jump on the tramp while Dave mows the lawn for hours on end.

All in all, all is well. Enough about the change, and on to real life at home here in Connecticut!