*The Slacks*: Southern living.

Well, it has been 3 months since we arrived in Columbia, SC. And i can say that now we are settled. Dan is in school and studying constantly, and as nervous as i was about how busy he'd be, we actually get to see each other more than we ever have. He studies like crazy and is doing very well! I am sooooo proud of him! He is actually attending the same classes that the med students take (he's in the the nurse-anesthesia program), and he gets to wear an awesome white lab coat that says "UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE" (picture to come as soon as he'll let me take one, but trust me when i tell you it is awesome.) He studies so hard, but still takes the time to make sure the kids and i aren't feeling neglected. I ♥ him! :)

The kids have adjusted well, and Taya has started a new preschool out here. First i have to say that preschools out here are CRAZY expensive. For a 3 hour a day, 3 day a week preschool we pay $175.00 a month. And next year when we have to go 5 days a week to preschool (yes, 5 days a week. Oh, and kindergarten is 5 full days a week too.) it will be $215.00! And that is as cheap as it gets around here. Apparently preschool in people's houses is just a Utah thing. Out here they only have church or daycare preschools. So, our little Taya goes to a Baptist preschool. She even gets to hear a lesson from the pastor every day haha! She actually told us that we were praying wrong at dinner when we folded our arms, because you are supposed to do "prayer hands", and I have to remind her that instead of starting a prayer with "dear Jesus", we say "dear Heavenly Father...." lol. But we actually really like the school. I love that it is Christian themed and that Christ is incorporated into their day in a very unbiased way. It is in the actual Baptist church, which is huge, and they have a whole section of the church that is just a preschool. It looks just like a real school with a hall and classrooms and everything, it is super nice. It is very structured and all the teachers have at least a Masters degree and have all been there for at least 9 years, which makes me feel like it is worth being robbed every month ;). They learn through play which is what Taya does best with. Here is a picture of her on her first day. I dressed her in her most "southern" looking dress for the occasion.

We have been loving the sights and the history here! Our favorite place out here so far is Charleston. If you know me at all, you know that the ocean is a part of my soul lol, and i couldn't be happier to be only a couple of hours from the beautiful southern beaches. We've had so much fun sight seeing and spending time at the beach. And while we miss our families immensely, we are really grateful and excited about being here and getting to experience this southern living! And here are some pictures of our experiences so far...

"Folly beach". Never very crowded, always very beautiful.

The wave almost swept her away! But don't worry, i saved her.

If only you could see this picture up close. Her face radiates pure joy! She was so excited and happy to finally see the ocean for the first time, it was a priceless moment. She definitely has some of her mamma in her.