The Moen Moments: Alabama!

Well, it's official, we're Alabama residents and the only ones down here without an accent! We've been here for about two weeks now and feel like things are really starting to feel like home. Overall, the packing and move went over without any major hitches which is great considering all that we were juggling. Dr. M handled all the moving logistics and I handled the babies. We also had a ton of help from friends (who made us dinner every other night for over two weeks before we left!) and grandparent's who helped with the kids and packing. I really don't think we could have done it without their help. While Dr. M and my dad drove the cars and dogs down here, the babies and I had a nice long visit with lots of friends and family in Columbia. After all of our goodbye's were said, we headed to the airport. Getting two kids (a 22 month-old and 5 week old), car-seats, stroller and luggage through the airport could have been a logistical nightmare, but with the help of Grandma K, we managed to make it without any major problems. In fact, E thought the whole thing was pretty exciting! It was the first flight for both kids and for me traveling with kids. Thank goodness it was just a short hour and fifteen minute flight. When we landed Dr. M and my dad were there to greet us with a sign that read: "Andrea, Elliot and Harper, welcome to your sweet home in Alabama!" Considering that this was my first time to the state of Alabama, I was surprised that it looked similar to southern Missouri (except for the bright red/orange dirt). Even the temperature has been similar for this time of year - hot and humid! The new house is much more spacious than our previous home, which is really nice. We've worked really hard to get it feeling and looking like home, but feel like things are coming together. I think we've eaten more fried food in the past two weeks than I have in years. A waitress at a local restaurant said "it's not good unless it's fried" which I guess explains a lot. That being said, we've had some pretty amazing fried okra, fried green tomatoes, grits and something called buttermilk pie (which I've never heard of). The best part of living in the south, however, is the friendly people. Dr. M says that I will fit in really well since everyone here "takes their time doing things and is very outgoing." Tuscaloosa was hit by one of the worst tornadoes in the state's history about 3 months before we moved here, but the damage is still profound. It's just amazing to see in person. It ripped through the heart of the city and about a quarter mile from our house. The city is working hard to rebuild and clean up, but as you can imagine, it's going to take a while. We're looking forward to football season to begin, which I've been told is a "religion" down here. The students and staff are starting to return to town as school starts in just a few weeks. In fact, today was Dr. M's first day of work. I still can't believe we're Alabama residents, but sure it will sink in when it's November and still 80 degrees outside. We're excited to begin this adventure together, as a family of four...roll tide!

E helping to unpack!