Journey-ing.

We left.

We actually left our island.

Getting on that plane was the most depressing/exciting moment! We are really going to miss it there but are thrilled to start a new chapter in the Jake and Erica novel.

We have a pretty long moving story...

We moved out of our TVA apartment on Monday the 16th and stayed with my parents at their vacation rental until they left on that Saturday. Then, Jake's boss hooked us up with a free place to stay for a few days until our flight left on the 25th. We flew into Oakland, CA and that night Jake's sister, Sarah, and her husband, Christopher came to pick us up where we stayed in the night at their cute apartment in San Francisco. Sarah is pregnant and due in June. It was fun to see her cute belly and ask baby questions. Jake thought it was fun to feel the little body inside of her stomach kicking and moving around. He kept telling me how crazy it will be when that is me someday with our kid poking around in me.

Sarah also commutes to work as a nurse in Reno, which is a three and a half hour drive. The next day she had a shift so we drove down with her where the in-laws live and are currently staying with. Tomorrow, we will start our 14 hour drive, in separate cars, back to Gilbert.

Why such the weird move?

Well, Hawaiian Airlines doesn't fly in to Reno so we have to go to California first, then drive to Reno and instead of going to straight to Phoenix we needed to make a pit stop here. One, because we wanted to visit his family. They are all great and we got to see our new one week old niece. And two, because the car we own and wedding gifts (cha-ching!) are being stored at his parents' house. We are so grateful that they stored our stuff for us! Unfortunately, our car is a two door and barely fits our luggage in it. Because of that, we rented a car to put the rest of our stuff in. Jake will be driving the rental and I will be driving our car.

I am not looking forward to the drive.

Especially since today I feel like death. Last night I went to bed with a sore throat and woke up with an even sorer throat, body aches, clogged nose, clogged ears, a heavy chest and short of breath. My Nevada Mom/ mother in law is great, though and brought me home chalupas, cough drops, salty chips and Emergen-C. I sure hope this passes by the end of the day or tomorrow I will be one miserable driver.

Pray for me. I get bored fast, and seven hours for two days alone is not exactly exhilarating.

Graduation

April 14, 2012

Business with an emphasis in Operations and Chain Management

Exercise and Sports Science with a Minor in Coaching and NCSF Certified

Our families who came out to see us.

Aloha 'Oe

As a tradition at the school, we sing "Aloha Oe" to those who are graduating or leaving the ward. Jake and I have sung this song many times to people leaving, but this Sunday it was our turn to be sung to. It was a very bitter sweet moment to be sung to and given leis. We were a little disappointed that our families weren't there to see it because it is really a cool tradition.

Here is the best version I could find.

(This guy adds in a little bit extra.)

Getting ready to go.

Lately, our little apartment has become more and more empty.

We have been selling our stuff to get ready for the big move, which means lots of little things that are making a big difference.

(Don't judge me for not caring about the quality of these pictures)

Our Tv and entertainment center are now gone...

Jake's drawers are now gone which means our dresser is now a bit fuller and this box holds the rest.

Our magnets and diner menu have been sold which is why the fridge looks so empty and there are lots of plastic bags housing random items.

We also have many things that are "reserved" until we don't need them anymore, but there are a few pesky items we can't seem to get rid of!

It's happening. It's really, finally, actually happening! We're packing and graduating!

(technically Jake already has graduated, but is walking with me in 13 days!)

Graduation announcements have been ordered and sent out and I'm down to my last test in most classes!

Getting down to the end!