Annap Favs

Being an Annapolis resident for a month now, I thought I would post some of my favorite things thus far. I know that this list will only increase once we get out a little more.

1) Quiet Water's Park- Unbelivably beautiful park that Chloe and I have been running in almost everyday. Love this place and I don't see that changing.
2) Fresh Seafood- The only time I have been able to get fresh seafood was when we took a trip to the beach. Not anymore. Maryland crabcakes, need I say more, no, I don't think so.
3) Proximity to TONS of shopping-I have grown accustom to driving a distance to be able to shop at the stores I love. No more of that nonsense. Annap has pretty much every store/shop you could dream of. Lots of cute local shops but, still my favorite for serious shopping is Westfield Annapolis Mall. (Check out all the stores, then be jealous!) And yes, we are close to DC where there is even more fantastic stores, but seriously, the local shopping is really all this TN gal needs. Thankfully, my birthday coinsided with our move here so I have had some b-day money to spend!
4) Historic Downtown- By far one of the neatest downtowns. Love all the history and the city dock. I just know we are going to be regulars here when it starts to warm up. Can't wait to see all the sailboats, afterall, Annapolis is the "America's Sailing Capital."
5) Whole Foods- I know many may laugh when you read this. But, never has a grocery store been so amazing to me. I have experienced similar stores such as a Fresh Market (we have one of those here too) but this takes it to a "whole" new level. I could seriously spend hours browsing in there. I mean, I was consumed by the entire aisle dedicated to granola! When Clint and I first ventured in the store to check-it out, it was pretty funny. I don't think I have ever "oohed" and "ahhed" so much in one store. It was so bad that he had to whisper to me to keep it down. We wanted to pretend like we were locals after all and I was totally giving it away. We are on a budget so we won't be making many frequent trips here but it will be a fun treat when we do. If you haven't experienced a Whole Foods for yourself, then you won't understand why I have placed a grocery store on my list of favorites. So, just take my word on it, Kroger does not compare.

That's the top 5 right now. I'll post more as we get out and about. I'm still job searching, so any prayers you would like to send this way would be much appreciated!

Birthdays

Last week I celebrated my birthday. I will admit, I thought it was going to be difficult not celebrating my birthday with extended family. But, Clint did his best to make sure I had a very relaxing day (at the spa) and I loved getting to talk with friends and family that I only hear from on special occasions. When I was young, birthdays meant cake, presents and sleepovers. Now, birthdays mean getting to hear from and talk with the people that mean so much to me. Turns out, you don't have to live close to family and friends to feel their love.

Birthday cupcakes

Tomorrow, my favorite Nanaw turns 80. It is so hard to believe that all my grandparents are around that age. Not one of them looks or acts like it. I feel extremely fortunate to still have 3 of my grandparents. It is so hard to sit and imagine life without any of them. I know because, I still miss my grandfather every single day. But tomorrow is a celebration of the life of a lady who has lived solely for others. She is the most amazing Christian woman I know. I love you Nana!

One of my favorites, Easter (not sure the year, early college days)

Last year's birthday celebration. Sure will miss being there tomorrow!

Welcome

Our new place in Annapolis

Entry (Chloe felt the need to be in all pictures with her bone)

Living room & Dining room

Taken from our steps leading upstairs


Kitchen with door leading to deck

Office

Guest Bedroom

Hall Bathroom

Master Bedroom

Love our sky lights

Door leads to master bath

I've been spending a lot of time in kitchen

Clint is going to miss this when I get a job!

First Annapolis Visitors

When we moved, we knew Joe already had a worked trip planned in DC. We were pleased to know that Lo would be able to travel with him. On Sunday, we met them and gave them a very quick tour of our new place and Annapolis. After dinner, we took them back to their hotel. Even though it was a very quick meeting, we were so glad to get to see their faces again. We love you both!

The fun is just getting started

As we are getting settled (i.e. unpacking all our MANY boxes) we have been able to squeeze in some fun. We took Chloe to the dog park that is less than 2 miles from our new place. I think she was a little nervous around all the other dogs but we hope after a few more trips she will start to enjoy it more. Yesterday, we took the metro to DC. It was a sunny day but the winds were very extreme. I almost fell over a few times. (It was kinda funny.) So, we decided it was a perfect day to go to the Smithsonian American History museum. Out of all the neat exhibits, I was most excited about seeing the ruby slippers from Wizard of Oz. They were on tour when I went back in 7th grade. There were quite a few people crowded around them but I was determined to get my picture! The great thing is that I can now go visit them any time! When we can back to Annapolis our power was out from all the high winds. So, we thought the best plan would be to order pizza and eat in front of our new fireplace where Clint had started a fire to keep us warm. The power did eventually come back on that evening. Our neighbor said it was pretty unusual to have a power outage since we are on the same grid as the Naval Academy. That must be why it was restored so quickly.

1977 Honda Civic

Julia Child's Kitchen

Moving Confirmed

We got word this week from the moving company on the date they will be coming to pack us up. After a month of knowing this day would come, it still doesn't feel real. On my last day of work, I felt like I was just going on vacation and would see everyone when I returned. I think one reason it has not really sunk in is the fact that I am not having to pack anything. (I smile everytime I think, write or say this!) When everything is cleared out of our house and Clint and I are left in one big empty place...maybe then it will hit me. (If anyone needs a really cute house in a wonderful neighborhood, we've got one for you.) For now, I am doing the necessaries that come with a move, but one thing I am NOT doing is packing! And that my friends, is one reason why I believe I still have my sanity during the crazy whirlwind. :) Next time I post, it will be coming to you from the great state of Maryland!

No Strangers to Moving!

You might remember an earlier post about our visit to Fredricksburge, VA. Well, that was not just a random weekend getaway. Clint was interviewing for a position that would be considered a promotion. A few weeks ago, he was offered the job. After MUCH prayer and consideration, we accepted. So, that means we are on the move again. This time we will be moving away from the only state we have ever called home and headed towards our nation's capital!

I'm sad that we will be moving so far away from our family and friends. It has been so great having family so close. I think for me, that is going to be the hardest thing to deal with. But, We feel that God has given us this opportunity and have faith He will continue to take care of us. I'm getting more excited about all the fun possibilities that come with moving to a much larger area that is so close to pretty much everything.