connecticut or bust

We got orders, folks. We're moving to Connecticut!

(For those of your trying to remember where that fell on the pros/cons list, click here.)

Groton was our second choice, but after having Jack, I think it was starting to feel more like our first choice. It will be so much easier to get back to NC to see family than it would if we were living on the west coast. And that's a big deal, especially since Andrew will be gone a lot. This way, I can pass some of that time by hanging out with the people we love so much.

I think we're both feeling more and more excited as we've had time to process it. It will be offensively cold when we move there in January, but we'll just brave it for a few more months and then enjoy the awesome spring and summer. I can't wait. Who wants to come visit?

Some more random thoughts/answers to questions you might have:

• Assuming nothing changes with the specifics in Andrew's orders, we'll start the trek up north around the first of the year.
• We're thinking about maybe trying to buy a house (eeks!) so that's fun. The logistics feel a little nightmarish, but if it's meant to be, we'll figure it out. More on that later...
• The closest Trader Joe's is approximately 45 minutes away. Not terrible, if I plan it right.
• And whaddya know, there's an IKEA near that Trader Joe's! I don't know whether to be excited or concerned. I bet I know Andrew's answer...
• I'm already daydreaming about taking Jack to NYC in the spring. Andrew and I have only ever been in the winter, so that will be a first for all of us!
• I just bought this in preparation for the cold weather. Adorable, right?
• After learning a little about the boat's schedule, it looks like Andrew maybe won't be deployed for a while. Hooray!
• If you are reading this and you live in a place that has warm autumns and tolerable winters, you are allowed ONE remark per season about how you're still wearing flipflops in December. If you choose not to comply, consider this fair warning that our friendship will be terminated.
• Related: The hottest month in Groton is July, when the average high is 81 degrees.
• My dad has agreed to ship the following items to me on a semi-regular basis: bbq, honey from his hives and collard greens. Pending investigation, I may be adding Duke's mayo to that list.
• There are no Chick-Fil-As, Bojangles or Cracker Barrels in Groton. I feel very sad about that.
• I need to find the perfect clam chowder recipe. Stat.

New England, here we come!