Archive for May, 2007

This weekend we travelled south to my parent’s place to have a Texas style lunch (crab and shrimp boil). My Aunt was in town for a wedding and so her and my 93 year old grandmother also made the lunch. It was nice to have everyone there and get to know each other. It was the second time that Dave’s parents have met my parents (the first was our wedding).

 

 

Helen and Michael came for a visit this week. They will be here for two weeks and we have already made some headway into “things to do in Texas”. Of course, swimming is always at the top of Ava’s list, no matter what other attraction might be around.
 
 
 
 

Ava has enjoyed being in Texas. My parents have a big place with cows, tractors (evidenced in the photo), ducks, dogs, and lots of dirt. Why does every kid love getting dirty? The Texas state flower is the blue bonnet and since they were in bloom when we first arrived, I took Ava out to try and get some shots with her in the field with the Texas flowers. She was not in the best mood, but when she realized there were bees in the flowers she was enamored. She was determined to “catch” one (thank goodness they are faster than her).

OK, a little more of an update. Yes, we live in Texas now. In the short span of three months we had some major life changes. Dave got out of the Air Force and after many job interviews, accepted a position at Exxon Mobile (yes, the evil gas company…more on that later). He is really enjoying his job and is learning new things everyday and seems to find it both challenging and exciting. I finished my thesis and defended my PhD in March. I am now working part-part time (10 hrs week) from home doing some technical writing. We put our house on the market and packed up. So long Ohio!

We really miss all our friends there (hi guys), but we are also enjoying the warmer weather here. It is also nice being near my family, even though we miss Dave’s family out West. Dave’s parents are coming down this week and we will see what they think about the Houston area. It will be their first visit.

And finally, in case you haven’t heard…we are also expecting baby number two! Due in September, we recently found out that we will be having another little girl. I think my parents are just laughing and waiting for them to turn 13 so they can really have a hoot (I think we will move before then just to save face). We don’t have any names picked out, so if you think of a good one, let me know. So hard to come up with new ones when you’ve already used a name you love.

That about does it. I can’t say that this feels like home yet. But, that always takes awhile. We are still looking for a place to settle down here (apartment living for now until we figure it out). We are happy and healthy and glad to be together. I am enjoying spending time with my little girl and I do think our lives have more balance now than they did for a long time. All is well! Hope the same is true with all of you. More later.