Virginia is for Freemans

Nate and my sweet, amazing Dad drove all of our things including clothes, kitchen supplies, crib and changing table, Mason's bed, rocking chair, and bikes back, yes - with that '95 Buick pulling behind it a 5x8 trailer. We have been SO fortunate to live in my parent's (now my Brother's) basement the last two years. They even furnished it for us - so all we had to take back was everything else. It was a miracle to fit everything in there! Dad and Nate read a book on their way East called 'Undaunted Courage'. I think they could have written it :).

For me, traveling with a very independently spirited two year old, and a colicky baby on an airplane a few days later was also nothing short of an adventure. However, I felt so grateful for prayers, and angels around us. Thankfully, everyone around us was so kind, patient, and obliging. One Peruvian woman even took Stanley for me at one point and held him until he fell asleep. She was like the Latino version of my Mom. Truly an angel of a woman!

Since that epic flight we've been adjusting into our new home here in Charlottesville. It is beautiful and such a fun, historic place to live. I feel very fortunate that I have two cousins who live here, Nate has one, and that there are about 40 LDS law students as well as several other Business and Medical students who have wives and kids. Really some amazing families here! We also have wonderful neighbors and friends who are not LDS who we've been having fun getting to know a little. That is the best part of coming from such a large family and having the Church community- is having a trusting and instant support network wherever we go!

Nate usually gets up early to exercise. Then we have breakfast at 8, then a little school for Mason. He's learning the pledge of allegiance, the Star Spangled banner, a couple of scriptures, maybe a poem :), a letter a day, scripture stories, shapes, and then we read some books. Sometimes if he doesn't feel like doing all of that in one sitting, we sort of sneak it in throughout the day. Then we try to go running around 9, or sometimes to the park or play with some friends. Stan usually takes a nap in the morning and afternoon as well, and then Mason and I try to get some cleaning done and dinner prep. Makes for very full days!

Mason loved watching this excavator at work during the day. His cute friend also joined in one day.

Even though Nate is studying and working hard as a student (which I am so grateful for), I also love that he comes home every night for dinner and then reads stories to Mason and the scripture with him before the boys go to bed! Thank you Nate for keeping a balanced life in this crazy time - at least until finals come around :). He also wakes up early nearly every morning to exercise. He never ceases to amaze me! I love seeing him as a student! He is amazing. I'm pretty sure there isn't anything he can't do (except kill spiders).

This is what I found one morning after getting out of the shower. Mason serenading Stanley by playing him the ukelele! Man, I love that kid!

Mason helping me give Stanley a bath

This is a post BYU v UConn football game shot on the changing table before getting ready for bed. We had to catch the moment of matching BYU apparel! I can't believe we even got Stan to smile - even though he's looking away.

Mason shucked that corn all by himself. He's such a sweet little helper. I took a picture, because it reminded me of the hundreds of corn cobs I shucked growing up - and brought back some of my favorite, iconic Utah summer memories!