1 week mark

We just got back from our road trip around Florida and can't believe that it is already over.  We had such a great time and will miss everyone so much.  Our first stop was Gainesville where we met Bill and Billy for lunch.  They mean so much to Paul and have such a great time together hiking, camping, backpacking, etc.  That evening we arrived in Tampa to visit my great friend from college, Jayce.  We have been friends for about 4 years and fit each other so well.  She took us to see manatees, sharks, and sting rays at the power plant's warm waters and got strawberry shortcake at a awesome market. 

Me and Jayce at the market as strawberry shortcake queens :)

Next we visited our friends from high school, Jenny and Blake, in Orlando.  We have known them for about 10 years and it always feels like family when we are together.  We have seen each other through many hurdles and many changes which has only made our friendship deeper.  We just hung out and went to Mall at Millenia one last time for me.  :(

Me and Jenny :)

After that we were on our way to West Palm Beach to visit Rachel, Chris, and Carli.  I have known them for about 3 or 4 years and we are always crazy together.  I love friendships that just seem to click and these are definitely that type.  We went out to a really fun bar, the beach, an awesome Mexican place, and other random stuff... just my style! :)

I got to ride Chris's new motorcycle... I need some practice.  :)

Rachel, Me, and Carli  :)

Chris and Paul  :)

Our last stop was in Jacksonville to see our friend Kenny and his wife, Kristin.  Paul has known Kenny for almost 20 years (really makes us feel old to say that!) and I have known him for over 10.  So it was good to be able to catch up like old times.

We left Thursday and were back by Tuesday and drove over 1,000 miles.  All the goodbyes were sad and everyone will be greatly missed.  Technology these days will definitely make everything easier but it is still sad to know there will be a big disconnect by not living in the same country.  We have exactly 1 week until our plane leaves Tallahassee with only a few things left on our to-do list.  My youngest brother, Conrad, has a swim meet in Savannah, GA that we will be driving him to this weekend and our nights are pretty much booked until we leave.  It is definitely hitting us that our time left in the states is short and we are getting nervous but still very excited!  We're ready as we ever will be to try a new style of life!