And like a flash!.....

It doesn't seem real that we are living in South Carolina now.... The transition here, thus far, has gone smoother and proven to be a whole lot easier. I don't know if it is because the kids were aware and knew within themselves what they needed to do or if it really is the atmosphere. Well, and we didn't have to travel such a great distance. It has been a dream. We live in a stupendous neighborhood and the ward is very friendly and inviting. We have been welcomed with open arms, warmth and love. In the almost 4 weeks we have been in Aiken, I feel like the friends I have made have always been my friends. The conversations are easy and they all have attributes I admire...Much like the ladies I left behind in Tennessee / Idaho. With each move, it becomes harder and harder to say goodbye to my dear friends and with each occurrence, I find myself desperately wanting to package them all up and take them with me. I truly wish that it was that simple, as simple as putting a trinket in your pocket. We are very blessed and I will never neglect to acknowledge the hand of The Lord in our successes and safe passage. We are grateful for every person whom has come into our lives, they each hold special places in our hearts. I know the kids also struggle with being up-rooted and asked to begin again... It is a lot, we expect a lot and recognize the impacts it may or may not be having on them. They have done brilliantly, still amazing us every day with their motivation and willingness. It is our desire to give them some sense or normalcy once this adventure in Aiken, SC is concluded. We are hopeful that we will be in a position to return to a place we love, buy a home and settle in for the next 10 years so Kaden and Tylar will be able to finish school with peers they know well. The weather here is warmer than Tennessee. Brandon would often break into a sweat just stepping outside. I have noticed lately that he doesn't do that as often, I think that he is becoming accustom! Wouldn't that be great for me as I love it here and would like nothing better then to stay in the South! I love the mild winters, I also enjoy the humidity and could bask as a lizard in it for hours. We have not been effected by any terrible rages of mother nature, luckily!! - - - Knock on wood! However, I am sure that if we do settle in the south we will probably inevitably have to witness what we could pray would only be small acts of nature. The benefits thus far out way the negative... in my book. I don't know how else to better explain where we are and the area. It always seems like it is green and lush even during the winter. It gets bone penetrating cold here for two months and then come March, the 60 and 70 degree weather returns - It creates a perma grin kind of effect :) - We can't wait to hit the beach -- It's been busy with school back in session and all the duties associated with being new. We miss everyone we love and care for, we hope to once again see you and catch up as though a day hasn't gone by. Thank You for all of the support, words of encouragement, thoughts and prayers. The prayers are felt! Come visit us in South Carolina!! Oh, and for anyone curious... Water bugs or palmetto bugs, as the southerners call them - are COCKROACHES! Don't let them tell you differently! LOL