It’s hard to believe we moved to Florida four months ago. Most days it feels like we have always lived here!
I will say if we had to pick any winter to move south, this was the one. Wow, what a crazy winter for so many parts of the country. Michigan hasn’t had this much snow since the 70’s. I know some people love winter, I’m glad to see the snowy pictures on television and Facebook, not out my front window!
Settling in to Life in Florida
We are continuing to adjust very well. The kids are doing great, most days it seems they have hardly skipped a beat. Of course we miss family, but we have managed to make visits or have visitors. Jacob and Sarah are heading to Michigan next week for several days. Bob’s sister and Mom are coming down for a visit. We are heading to VA for a weekend in April to see my parents and my sister who lives in VT with her family. Plus weekly Skype chats help as well. We are doing our best to stay connected.
We have been taking many field trips, my big focus this school year is really to just continue to explore Florida. We are doing “real” school of course, but anytime anyone asks us to do something we are saying “YES!”
We have been blessed to meet a great group of homeschooling moms at church and in the area. They have been so warm and welcoming. This is something that we did not have in Michigan, so to say I’m enjoying the friendship would be an understatement. They have been so welcoming to all my children as well. And if you are parenting a special needs child, you know how big that is!! Answered prayer for sure.
What we are reading
A couple of weeks ago on my Facebook page I asked what people were reading. Several ladies said that they had finished, and liked, Divergent. I waited patiently for the rest of our no spend month, and then I ordered it on my Kindle. There were about 400+ people waiting for 60 or so copies at the library. Ain’t nobody got time for that!!
First though I’m going to read Sharp Objects for my new book club that meets at the end of the month.
Jacob, my almost 13 yo (!), is a good reader but a reluctant reader. He finally read a book that he thoroughly enjoyed, Kennedy’s Last Days. He wanted me to read it too which I did. I found it fascinating! So many interesting facts I did not know. I can’t really imagine what it would have been like to live during that time period when a {mostly} beloved President is assassinated. It just doesn’t seem possible. I wanted to keep the good reading vibes rolling, so we just ordered Lincoln’s Last Days. I’m sure I will read that one as well. I’ll let you know how we like it!
Our literature book for Tapestry of Grace is Once on this Island. Because we used to live in Michigan, we have visited Mackinac Island many times. This is an excellent book depicting life on Mackinac Island during the war of 1812.
What we are doing
I’m not sure I can adequately attempt to catch up on all the we have been doing. Eventually I will get to all the field trips to Gatorland, the manatees, the trolley ride in Ybor City, and Legoland and share. We appreciate all of the places we have been able to visit.
I’m linking up with Mary @ Homegrown Learners for the first time in 2014!
Yay glad you are back to Collage Friday! I have been following your field trip adventures on Instagram and loving them all.
Glad you are settling in. Yes the snow and cold have been extreme this year in the Northeast…good year for you to move huh!
Enjoy the weekend!
When something feels like it has always been, you know it was part of God’s plan! I love seeing your pictures on IG and looking at all the amazing places you have been in the past 4 months. I am no fan of winter. You pictures remind me there are warmer days to come!
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Yay! It makes me so happy to see your pictures, Jen — I still cannot believe you guys are in FL and it’s been so long now. One day we will go to LEGOLAND with you guys – wouldn’t the boys have fun together?
Thanks for linking with #collagefriday!
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How wonderful that the adjustment is going so well. I love the idea of a year devoted to field trips.
Blessings, Dawn
A year ago this week I was in Naples enjoying your warm FL winter…you must be loving the change from MI! Thanks for the book tips…off to see what the wait is at my library.
Barb-Harmony Art Mom recently posted…Mother’s Journal – Full House Edition
I knew you would all adjust rather well. Who wouldn’t in Florida climate?
I know how it goes about missing family, but I can honestly say, I do not want to move back again…mainly for the weather. The kids look great as do you and Bob!
Welcome to the warm south!
My youngest children (who have never experienced any significant snow) would so love to live where there’s snow each winter. But, I remind them that there’s much more to it than the beautiful white fluffiness we see in picture books. We have a blast though in the summertime – which usually arrives in May… :). Welcome!
I love the new blog look! I agree, you definitely picked the right winter to head south! I’ve been sorely tempted to move back south myself this year! I’m glad you guys have settled in well there.
I read Divergent last year and liked it too! Though I think I had to like it once I realized one of the main characters was named Tobias, my oldest son’s name
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We moved back to Michigan in 2012 after 7 years in Florida! I truly miss the sunshine AND the fellowship. Enjoy the state, so much to see and do!
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I am so happy for you and to hear things are settling in so well…How awesome to discover the welcoming families! I have not had that in my area and it is definitely an empty feeling for me. We have a few homeschooling friends but definitely not a unified group:( It’s one of my biggest griefs. You and your family will be a blessing to all you meet. Have fun as you continue to explore!
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Welcome to Florida! Which part are you guys in? We have a great free homeschool group called CHOCS for Sarasota/Charlotte county folks. We have weekly meet ups and field trips. Look us up under Yahoo. Congrats on the move!!
Thank you! We are in the Tampa area.