December 27, 2010

I decided to return to my blog after a year hiatus. I was actually prompted by our move to Alabama. I wanted to be able to give the boys something to look back at, as well as, to update my family members. Up until now, I have lived my entire life in Pennsylvania. In October, however, that all changed. Our family moved over 1000 miles away to Alabama so that Mark could further his career as a DM for Lowes. We are very proud of him, but it is a little bit of a change to say the least.

The Hikes Family's last picture in front of their 1st home.

There's our 1st house. The house where our babies were born. Mark hates it when I put it that way. He never liked our 1st house. He used to call it the box. He didn't think it had much character. It was the house that we made home with all of the changes & improvements. I think that is why I feel a little more attached to it. And of course, we had made many friends there too. We were situated between 2 great neighbors- the Mraziks (Miss Sue & Mr Bob) & the Smiths (Miss Lisa & Mr Max).

Like I said, we traveled many miles. I was supposed to capture every welcome sign for each state we entered. I failed, so here is what I meant to do for VA, TN, GA, and AL. You get the idea.

This happy little smile didn't last too long, unfortunately.

After just 20 minutes into our trip-"What state are we in now?" To his dismay, we were still in PA.

We were packed to the gills. Yes, we couldn't put anything more into our Acadia after Mark, DJ, Jack & myself, as well as, Cooper & Emma (our pooches) & Charlie (our kitty), and all of our stuff were finally in the car. I thought we might even lose stuff if we opened our doors. It was crazy & Mark will tell everyone that. I just didn't want him to travel that far by himself. Call me crazy, but we made it- together!
After some of the above mentioned, I meant to begin blogging a few months ago, however, didn't get the opportunity until now, so I have a little bit of catching up to do. I am hoping that as this goes on I will have pictures & a little more of an elaborate posting, so bear with me until then.
Below is a quick synopsis, but I will fill in with more detail in future blogs-
Let's just say that my husband & children did very well with the transition immediately. I am warming up to it, but at a much slower pace. The boys found playmates immediately. Jack can't seem to get enough of his new buddies Chase (6 yrs) & Luke (3 1/2 years). The neighborhood is filled with children. I suppose we will meet many more this summer when the development pool is open.
I am slowly learning where some of Jack's classmates live. His school is 20 minutes away, so I was surprised to learn that his classmate Emily is in the beginning of our neighborhood. I also was surprised to learn that they planned on getting married. We had a feeling Jack would go first because of his strong affinity toward the opposite sex, but not quite this early. He keeps asking when he can have her over to play. Her mom is very nice, so I guess this unity will be okay.

Emily & Jack posing for a picture after an afternoon of decorating cookies & meeting with Mrs. Claus

Jack had his 1st experience with the mean red ants from the south early on. He was standing on a hill & before you know it they were covering his sneakers & socks & moving upward & then the screams began. Once we got them off, there were some pretty nice welts on his legs. He has recovered fine & now has a new respect for them, as well as, DJ.
We were a little nervous about DJ & beginning a new school down south, but our fears soon disappeared. He is doing great & I am getting great updates from his teacher since I go in periodically to cover lunches for her. She said he is really getting it. I went to his Christmas party where his teacher announced that all of her students accomplished their AR (advanced reading) goals. She asked DJ & a few of his classmates to stand up so she could recognize them as not only good students, but also good people for helping some of their classmates accomplish their goals. She pulled me aside to let me know that DJ really had his work cut out for him & she was very proud of him. It made her cry.

Mimi & the boys- Dauphin Island, AL- November 26, 2010

We have definitely been able to adapt to the weather down here. It still can get really cold, but it doesn't last long. We had great weather for Thanksgiving. We were lucky enough to have Mimi here to celebrate with us. We could have had it outdoors this year.
It has been great for the boys since they love being outside. DJ has been outdoors a lot & has traded in his clubs on many occasions for a football or basketball. We are now lucky enough to have a basketball hoop & flat driveway. That's not saying he is no longer golfing but I guess his rounding himself a little. Golf is still his top sport, hence the new golf clubs for Christmas.
Unfortunately, mom & Charlie didn't have the same luck with the weather when they came down to visit us in the beginning of December. We welcome you to come back when the weather gets warmer.
I am adjusting, however, I do miss family & friends, especially over the holidays. I am still working on getting Costco's to put a store in near Mobile- the closest one is 3 hours away, which is not acceptable. I also miss my super Giant- with the kid's play area. The boys can't understand why they have to shop with me now. They keep asking to go play with the Wii in the play area.
They did, however, get an XBOX 360 Kinect for Christmas. Now we need to work on getting them away from the games. They love it and they are both, correction, all 3 so competitive. I feel like I'm playing with Mike with the Atari all over again. Even my little Jack is beating me & saying "take that mommy." I am doomed. I will have to practice at night when everyone is sleeping.