Jonahisms

While wearing footie pajamas, "I need to unzip so I can itch my bum"

While saying bedtime prayer, "And grateful I didn't have to eat the green things (brussel sprouts) cuz I don't like to try it. Grateful that Owie does like to try it."

Our Philadelphia Story

Well, we're here! It took us five days to drive out as we took our time to see new places, spending a whole day in Chicago, IL and Columbus, OH. I was surprised by how much I liked Columbus, I thought I would be more excited by Chicago, but I enjoyed myself so much more in Columbus. We had our own personal tour guide who took us thrift store shopping and out to Jeni's ice cream. Most definitely the best ice cream I've ever had in my life! I want to taste the cayenne burning the back of my throat from the Queen City Cayenne again.

We've been in our home just over a month now and every day we see something new and explore a new part of the city. There's so much to do and see and I want to make sure I get as much done as I can in the 2 years that we'll be here. One of the first things we did when we came into town was eat at the Creperie on campus at Houston Hall. When you come visit, you can be sure that we'll take you there!

Jonah has started Joy School with a few other families in our ward. There are 4 kids in the group, all of them Jonah's age. It has been such a blessing to us as we get used to a new place and new people. He now has something to look forward to and it keeps our schedule preoccupied. The time I get with Eleanor, just the two of us, is something I really enjoy. We've never had that before and I learn more about her every time.  She just turned 2 and is growing more independent by the moment. I'll try and do something for her and what I hear very often now is "I do it!"The transition was a little hard on all of us, most of all, Jonah. But now that we're more settled and have a routine for every day, we're doing so much better.

As the days go on, I'll try and keep you up to date and share with you our adventures!

Our second night in, we went to Night Market. It's an event where all the food trucks in the city line up in Center City and you can go and sample from many of them at once. We had burgers that night. Not very original, but seriously so good!

Free music and Ben and Jerry's cones behind the public library. They also had a tightrope 

to play on and as you can see from the picture, hula hoopers, jugglers, etc.

We get real rain here! We got caught in a storm on Labor Day!

First Friday Art Stroll in Center City.

Wanderlust Yoga Festival at the Piazza at Schmidts with my new friend, Sascha. 

She's in Derek's MFA program at school. It was the first year they've had it in Philly 

and I feel very priviledged to be apart of it.

Happy Birthday, Eleanor! Thanks for the package, 

Grandma and Grandpa.

Jonah decorating his gingerbread "man" for our 

Joy of the Body segment in Joy School

This is what happens when Eleanor 

eats crepes from the Creperie. 

Much too long

It has been far too long since I wrote in here and shared. 18 months about, since that is now how old Eleanor is, or as we like to call her, Owie (pronounced Ooey), given the name by Jonah. It was her first day in Nursery today and she really seemed to enjoy it. And wasn't too sad when I left. I have to say, it was odd to be in Relief Society without a small child. It's nice to pay attention and actually hear the lesson, which was so good. About the Holy Ghost and being obedient and worthy to receive it and the blessings that come from it, such as personal revelation and comfort. It is our direct connection with Heavenly Father.

                                        

 Jonah is now in primary! Or classmary, as he calls it. Combines class and primary together. And he loves it. He always wants to sit on his teacher's lap and he loves learning new songs and learning about his Savior. He just turned 4 and is getting so big and smart. He has now moved on to sounding out words and practices writing his letters. I cannot tell you how proud it makes me to be the mother of 2 such wonderful, special children. They bring so much joy and laughter and happiness to my life. Their sweet innocence has taught me so much and I can't wait to learn more from them.

 So, we have some big news. We're moving to Philadelphia! Derek was accepted into the University of Pennsylvania for an MFA in art. I am so proud of his hard work and dedication and his great, likeable personality which landed him in an Ivy League top 10 school! I am so excited for the new adventure ahead of us and the challenges and the change. To meet new people and make new experiences. I've only visited back east once and now we are all moving out there as a family! And lucky Derek gets to visit Venice for 3 weeks this summer for the Bienalle, so he owes me time over in Europe. We'll get there. I know we will with all of his future art expeditions. Also, this is happening. Congrats to him! If you live in the area and have the time, go check it out.