We're getting settled!

Well, most of the boxed are unpacked.  Food has been cooked in the kitchen. Friends have been made.  We seem to be getting settled!  We are loving our little town and are trying to involve ourselves in different activities.  We went to the parade, carnival and fireworks.  Things are definitely different here. 
  The biggest difference is that it is HOT!!  It averages about 95 degrees here with humidity, of course.  It doesn't ever cool off much at night, but once it does it seems that everyone come outside for a walk.  I'm sure that I won't be whining after another month.  Then, in the winter when my garden goes in, it'll be fun!
  Ceiling fans are a MUST have here, so that was our first purchase for the house and are busy installing them in most rooms.  You can keep your thermostat at 78 and still be quite comfortable.  I never thought that I would be able to stand it that warm in my house, but the bills dictate that! 

  I am having fun learning about all of the different things that I can grow here and am realizing that I don't have a big enough yard for it all.  Gardenias, magnolias, dogwood trees, pecans, almonds, even citrus.  Which one, which one?  Gardening is a whole different animal, so I'm trying to take advice from the locals.  We'll wait until we can bear being outside awhile until we transform our yard.   Blueberries, tomatoes, pears and gardenias are on the for sure list.  Garden boxes will also be for sure.  The rest we are still redrawing.
  We are missing Galen and Corwin!  Corwin is working at a candy company right now, packaging.  He seems mostly excited about the ice cream machine in the break room.  Hopefully he will keep up the good work.  Galen is trying to finish up his paperwork for his Eagle advancement for scouts.  That is sure fun to try and help do long distance.  Both boys went to the Centerville parade with my mom and said that they enjoyed it a lot.  We missed the fun, it was sure different for us. 
  Marissa went to our stake girls camp for a few days.  They had to cut it short because of heat and timing.  They stayed in tents in 100 degree weather.  She saw her first lightening bugs and was very aware of water moccasin snakes and poison ivy that was everywhere.  She had a great time and made friends with several of the girls.
  Madison also has made a couple of friends and has spent quite a bit of time with them.  She seems surprised to how much they have in common. 
  Overall, we are doing well.  We miss family and friends but are adjusting well.   
We love you all!
The Cranstons