Florida

I realized the other day that Andrew and I have not taken a single trip to Florida since we have been married 'just because.' We have taken many trips, but they always have been tied to an event or special occasion. We've never gone solely for the purpose of having a vacation....until now. :) 

We had a WONDERFUL and very relaxing week at home. Our days were mostly spent enjoying the beautiful Florida sunshine, spending time with family, and catching up with friends. I personally loved getting to spend every day with my husband... it's not very often that I get to do that. :)

We flew in late friday night. Traditionally, my dad takes me to Starbucks first before going home. But since it was closed by the time we got in, we had to wait until Saturday morning. This is what was awaiting us when we walked in the door from the Starbucks crew. :)

We spent a day over at the beach. Andrew and my brother, Bryce, had a lot of fun taking the paddle boards into the ocean and surfing. They waves were too big for me to even consider trying it... so I sat on the beach and watched the boys. And played frisbee with friends. 

Don't know what a paddle board is?? Well here's the answer to your question! These beautiful things are paddle boards. They are very similar to a surf board, but are longer so you can stand on them and balance. 

Like so... 

My dog is awesome. Like seriously, awesome. Yes, she really will sit on the front of the board and ride around like a happy little puppy. She loves it! I love watching people on boats and jet-skis do double takes, and people on shore point as we paddled by. My dog really is the greatest dog ever. :)

Andrew and I went on a mini trip across lake butler one day.

My genius dad put his iHome speaker system in that little yellow bag with my iPod attached to it. So as we paddled, we could also listen to music! So cool! 

It was hottttttt! So we randomly took breaks in the middle of the lake and thanks to a waterproof digital camera, we could document our trip, even from the water! Technology these days... what will they think of next?

We paddled all the way across the lake to an island just off the opposite shore called, Bird Island. It has a sand bottom almost 20 ft out because of all the boats and people that come there. 

Another break

Many evenings were spent out on the dock with our lines in the water. There's just something relaxing about fishing. 

A summer storm coming across the lake.

"But I trust in Your unfailing love my heart rejoices in Your salvation.

 I will sing the Lord's praise, for He has been good to me."

Psalm 13:5-6

Oh hi.

I have a blog? I forgot. My bad. :)

Our summer has been so full and busy, I just haven't had time to sit down and blog about it. Let seee... since I last blogged, we went out of town for work at least 5 more times, I went to Florida, attended 4 weddings in one months time, was the 2nd shooter at two of those weddings, drove from Florida to Nebraska with my grandparents, with a stop stop in Birmingham, AL to see my cousin and her husband, went to Virginia and met my littlest niece for the first time and helped pack up Dan and Bethany's house, drove cross-country from Virginia to Nebraska, had my family in Nebraska for 10 days over the 4th of July, as well as having ALL of Andrew's family together in Nebraska for the first time in a very long time (lots of fun times together)... went out of town for work again, traveled to the Lake Itasca Music Festival with Andrew's family, and now, we are spending some time down in Florida with my family. Whew.. I told you we've been busy! Plus, Andrew has been putting in 40+ ours a weeks (since this is his slow season ha!) while also working on school, AND putting in 10-15 hours a weeks going out and checking my family's farms. Luckily, I get to go with him for those hours. :)

Here's a few pictures from the summer...

On our flight from Omaha to Washington DC.

We flew in to DC at night. Dan and Bethany picked us up, took us out to dinner, then took us on a mini tour around the capital. It was SO pretty at night! 

We brought Dan and Bethany HOME to Nebraska. Everyone was thrilled to have them back for a few weeks. :)

This little girl was never lacking for attention. :) 

 The last of the 4 weddings in June. Rachel was such a radiant bride! 

 Such a sweet moment.

 Mr. and Mrs. Alan Busenitz.

 My family. <3 p="p">

 Dan and his brother's played in the 3 on 3 tournament on the 4th of July. They played awesome and were so much fun to watch. They ended up taking 2nd. 

 Andrew participated in the strong man competition again this year. The last even was a bus pull, which he pulled 28 ft. What a beast :)

My brother was in the pie eating contest again this year to try and defend his title Pie eating Champion! He won his preliminary round, but fell short in the final. Next year... 

Singing on the 4th. 

My in-laws were honored as the grand marshals of the parade.

Precious little Arianna was worn out after such a full day. 

 Shooting skeet with my family.

Love that guy! <3 p="p">

 We went out to Chances R one night.

And went on a tour of the University of Nebraska Athletic complex. Which was totally awesome. Here, we are standing in the media room, where all the post game interviews take place.

Andrew headed out in the corn field to work on a pivot. 

 Oh, there is never too many pictures of this little cutie! :)

 Last weekend we were in Minnesota at the Lake Itasca Music festival. Look for details from the weekend on the family blog.

There you go... a Super summarized version of the past few months... I could write TONS more... but there are places to go and people to see. Stay tuned for an update from time this week in Florida. :)

Plans

Shortly after we got married, Andrew brought up the idea of moving to Florida for the winter. At the time, we were talking about it more hypothetically, or jokingly. Seriously, but not seriously. More like a far off dream or fantasy. I mean, who wouldn't want to spend the frigid Nebraska winter months, in warm sunny Florida?!

Every now and then we would talk about it, and somewhere in those few times we talked about it, it went from "that would be so cool" to "yeah, we're definitely doing this!" And since then God has opened doors, arranged opportunities and provided necessities that we needed to make it all possible. We both will have jobs, we will have our own house that is not too far from my parents and best of all, we will get to spend at least 2 and a half wonderful months with my family, which is totally awesome.
Though, we are DEFINITELY going to miss our family up here. But, winter is a great time for a trip to Florida... right, family?!?! :)

{we'll think of all you northerners as we lay on the beach, and soak up the sun...hmm was that mean? :)}

So, now the crazy the packing has begun. We're not taking ALL of our things, but we are taking most of our clothes. Florida weather is so crazy. It could be 40 degrees one week and 80 the next. Thus, the need for variety in our wardrobe. 

We'd appreciate prayers for safety as we drive. It's going to be quite the trip :)

Florida, here we come!