Ringing in 2013

Cheese, bread, shrimp, sparkling grape juice and some Bananagrams.  Kim and I celebrated while the kids were at parties.

Florida gulf coast

In all my trips to Florida (a lot!) I've never been to the gulf coast so we went today.  Bonita Springs Beach and Naples were nice.

Cousins' Club

We had dinner tonight with Tyler and Jodi and it was really fun.  Tyler's dad Jim is one of my four cousins.

Patton hair

I love Ian's hair.

Boca Raton Cemetery

Twice before I've buried a Springsteen concert keychain by Robes' grave.  I went to a concert this summer and bought a keychain.  I brought it with me and today Adrienne and I went to the cemetery and buried it.

Fort Lauderdale Temple

One of the things on my list of things to see in Florida was the Fort Lauderdale Temple.  It is under construction and due to be finished in December of 2013.  It's beautiful.  And big.  And right on the highway (in the town of Davie).  And I can't wait to go inside some day.

Baby Nathan

This kid.  He's adorable.

Friends along the way

It's been so awesome seeing good friends.

Kingsland, Georgia local

I snuck a few photos of him after breakfast at a hometown restaurant.  And then after we talked to him outside.  He was a character.  He rides his bike around town, has the thickest Georgia accent ever, and was quite the character.

Fast food junk food soda pop road trip

I don't even want to know how many ounces of soda I've had since leaving Boston.  Tonight I opted for real food at Cracker Barrel (though that might be a stretch).  I'm craving fruits and vegetables!

Tired homes

Adams Run, SC

Months ago I saw this photo on a blog and because obsessed with finding it (if you click on the pin it will take you to the site that I saw it on).  Luckily it was on my road trip route and today I was so excited that I found it!  It's tiny and so awesome I could hardly stand it.  I wish I could have bought some stamps there but I think it has limited hours.

Columbia Temple

I stopped by the Columbia, South Carolina Temple today.  I wanted to put some names on the prayer roll but wasn't dressed in my Temple best (I was in jeans) but went inside and told them I was on a road trip and asked if it was OK to do that and it was.  It's a very small Temple, but beautiful like all the others I've been in.  And, the church bookstore across the street (with 20% off everything) was a nice bonus!

South Carolina clouds

Christmas love

Last night I stayed with my dear friends the Arbons who recently moved to South Carolina.  Jana told me that they went to their home they are building yesterday on Christmas and to her surprise, Mike had spray painted and left love notes for her.

It was a short visit but so great to see them.

Quiet Christmas driving

I'm obviously not in New England

Fast driving and cheap gas!

It's Christmas

Washington, DC Temple

I haven't been to the DC Temple in years and stopped by tonight.  I loved seeing the Temple from the beltway, all the Christmas lights, and a lovely musical program by the sister missionaries.  Other than being annoyed by the girl next to me texting (I told her it was very distracting and we had been asked to turn off cell phones) it was a nice Christmas Eve event.

White Christmas Eve

South Philly Christmas tree lot

Christmas decorations in South Philly

When in Philly, eat a cheesesteak

I asked my friend Parker, who is from Philly, where to get a good cheesesteak.  These were his instructions:

The place is known as Pat's. officially it's "Pat's King of Steaks" but everyone just refers to it as Pat's. It's in South Philly at the intersection of Passyunk and 9th. It is the more understated joint across from the inferior and flashier Geno's.

There are lots of options in the menu, but I strongly suggest going with both a personal and local favorite: "wizwit." For the uninitiated, this means a cheesesteak with cheez wiz and onions on it. I know that sounds...odd...but trust me, it's divine. The fries are also quite good, but if you plan on avoiding triple bypass surgery before your next birthday you may just want to stick with the steak (limiting yourself to a double bypass).

All kidding aside, you will definitely enjoy the legit Philly Cheesesteak. Let us know how you like it!




I LIKED IT!!!

Logical stop for a Springsteen fan

Lisa and Eleanor (Ella)

The Jersey Ure girls

Jersey deer

A deer in the suburbs?  In someone's front yard?  Wild.

Traffic cop

I hate NYC (just today)

For a long time I've wanted to go to the Brooklyn Flea so today seemed like the perfect day (and this road trip is about doing what I want to do!).  I also wanted to get some scarves in Chinatown.  I went over the Brooklyn Bridge three times and never found Brooklyn Flea and the traffic was unbearable so when I saw the sign for the Holland Tunnel I gave up and headed for New Jersey.  I may attempt both these things on my return.

Merry electric bill!

Somewhere in Connecticut I saw the most Christmas decorations I've ever seen before in one yard.  I can't imagine what their electric bill is!

Road trip

How is Utah big enough for all my friends?

I met Jodi when she was 15.  I was the YW president and she was visiting her brother and sister-in-law that were in my ward.  She's one of my dearest friends and I'm sad to say she and her husband and three little kids (Darian, Camden, and Avery) are moving to Utah next week.  I can't say goodbye; see you later, Jodi!

Where's Santa?

Emmett = Christmas cheer