Tennessee to Iowa and Back!
Wow, I can't believe it's been about 3-4 years since we last updated our family blog! Procrastination is king! Hahaha. Our family has grown so much since our move here to Knoxville, TN. Chris had planned to just get his Masters in Plant Pathology, which he earned in May 2018 from the University of Tennessee, and we were planning to be done. However, an incredible opportunity arose and he was offered a staff position to manage the soybean breeding program AND the chance to work on a Doctorate. So he is super busy with work and school, and we relish in the moments we get together as a family. He continues to work hard and also serves as an unpaid ecclesiastical leader in our congregation's Bishopric. His determination to put his all into the things that matter most continues to bless our family.
I've been working on overcoming past anxiety about driving, so the kids and I have been able to go on some road trips to see family. In May, we drove down to Florida to spend time with my parents and brothers, and Chris's dad and step-mom, and his older sister's family. It was so nice! Atlanta, Georgia, is NOT a pleasant place drive though. People drive crazy fast there! If you don't watch your schedule and happen to drive through during rush hour, better plan on adding a couple hours of drive time to your plans. *forehead slap* The Georgia Peach pass toll road was great on the way down, but it was closed on the way back and I got stuck in standstill traffic for two hours with some very tired kids. It wasn't my favorite part of the trip. 🙎
The Olympic Flame viewable from the Freeway through Atlanta
This is a rare sight in Atlanta, when you can actually see empty space on the road!
With one big trip under my belt, I realized I was brave enough to take the kids out to the Midwest. My cousin, Kirsi, was getting married in Kansas City, MO, and I hadn't seen most of that side of my family for almost nine years, when Chris and I were married in 2010. We were so excited to be out there for her special day and be able to spend quality time with my mom's side of the family.
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| Kirsi meeting my kids for the first time! |
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| Friends |
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| Great-Grandma and the Girls |
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| Kansas City, MO Temple |
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| Kansas City, MO Temple |
