Jax

We've been in Jacksonville for a month now and are not the least bit homesick! Ben spent the month of March doing a pediatric rotation at Wolfson Children's Hospital. He enjoyed his experience and I enjoyed his hours. :)

The first week Scarlett and I were self-quarantined to our apartment since we felt so miserable. I don't recall feeling that sick before- and I get sick a lot! One night I was up coughing for hours and wondered if I had contracted tuberculosis in Vietnam. We may not have had tuberculosis but it may have been influenza. I have named it The Superbug of 2015. Ben even felt sick- which never happens. He doesn't have any sick days here and had to work 11 of the first 12 days. So when my parents had planned to drive up from Naples, I didn't have the heart to warn them that this was no ordinary illness. I needed them. They arrived with Scarlett's toys and clothes and with an enthusiasm for life that I simply did not have. It was so nice sleeping in and recovering while they watched Scarlett. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, they ended up getting sick too.

Sunday brunch at Metro Diner. Instant favorite!

Fashionistas wearing matching pants

Not sure who's having more fun- Scarlett or Grandpa

Once we finally got our feet on the ground we started exploring. We've made day trips to Amelia Island, Daytona Beach and St Augustine. Jacksonville may never feel like home but it has a lot to offer. Our apartment is halfway between the beach and downtown so it takes us 15 minutes to get to either. We are a mile away from the most amazing outdoor shopping complex I've ever seen. Scarlett & I have the perfect morning plan of Starbucks, watching the turtles in the pond, checking out a couple stores, playing in the playzone, then going to story time at Barnes & Noble. A gal is our apartment complex invited us to check out her church. Turns out she and her husband went to college at Bethel the same time we were in the Cities and we only lived a mile apart. Such a small world! We love the church and hope we can find one similar to it next year when we move to Mankato. 

Scarlett is learning so much! It's fun to spend everyday with her and encourage her. She just turned 18 months and says >100 words (yep, I counted). She also is an expert in animal sounds and will have no problems acing anatomy in med school. Scarski loves Elmo, babies, puppies and snacks and can be redirected by mentioning any of them. She also enjoys...

long walks on the beach,

the nice lady at the farmer's market who gave her an
Oreo sucker 

swinging at the park