My Top Ten

We have been in Alabama for 2 full weeks and there is so much about it here that I am loving. Mainly, I love having so much time together as a family. Sean only has to work a 40 hour work week - something we had forgotten existed!

So, here is my top ten list of all the things I love about being here.

1. The people - everyone is so friendly and helpful. Also, no one seems to be from Alabama - they have all moved here from somewhere else so that puts all of us in similar situations.

2. The humidity - I know, I know... who in their right mind would love the humidity! I never thought I would but it has cured Sean's sinus problems! That just makes for a happier husband which equates into a happier me!!

3. The rain - I have missed the rain. It was one of my favorite things growing up. I love everything about it: the smell, the puddles, the frogs, the sounds. Watching my kids play in the rain brings me more happiness than I can say.

4. The lakes - yesterday we walked to the lake nearby and took the kids fishing. I can't remember the last time we had that much fun as a family. I will post pictures soon. It is so fun living in a place where my kids can get covered in dirt while they do everything from try to catch minnows to fish with live crickets to fall in the water and get covered with dirt from head to toe. The kids loved it and I love seeing them so happy. Doing the laundry afterward didn't make me quite as happy... I am quickly learning that we are going to need a few pairs of getting dirty clothing!!

5. The House we found!! Yes, we have found a house to buy and it is almost a done deal. We have a few thing to sort out tomorrow but all the big stuff has been agreed upon. I am really happy with it and we should be moving in mid August!

6. The pace of life. Maybe it is just me but things seem slower here. You don't have the traffic and you don't have to drive very far to get places. Plus, there are so many trees everywhere that you can be in the middle of the town and suddenly feel like you are in the country.

7. Shopping at the commissary. I can't even tell you how I have missed this!! The first time we walked in I told Sean we had to stop - I was having a moment. There was just something about having BBQ sauce cost $0.67 again that made me feel like I was coming home! Living in Arizona for the last year we lived too far from the base to make it worth the drive to do our shopping there, I am so so happy to be close again. The Air Force spoiled me in that respect and I hate shopping at normal priced stores anymore.

8. The frogs. We have lots of them. A whole family I think. They sing to me every night and every now and then the bull frog chimes in. :)

9. My parents are within driving distance!! Close enough that in a few weeks they will be taking all three of my boys to their house for a week. I have no idea what I am going to do with my time but the kids are so excited!

10. Ten is yet to be discovered but I will let you know when I find it!