On our drive down from Maryland we didn't make any overnight stops and made excellent time. However, just four hours away from our house in Pharr, TX we were hit by another car on the highway. We were all okay and fortunately Brandon's Dad was only two hours away on a field trip with Brandon's little brother so he was able to pick us up and take us the rest of the way. So for our first month in Texas we drove around in rental cars. Brandon especially did not like that part because he only had a month with us before his departure to Korea. Fortunately the person who hit us had good insurance and our car looks great again. In fact it looks better than before the accident. The other car happened to hit us in the exact area that we had been longing to fix (which had been dented in our parking lot months ago and was even starting to rust) but just didn't have the money. So it sort of worked in our favor in the end.
Our house is a great first buy and we've finally really settled in. I'll post pics of the house later. But adjusting to the Valley again has been a little awkard. Thankfully I have a new ward full of great brothers and sisters to become friends with. And what do you know I already received a calling and it is one I really needed. I was called to be the Young Women's Secretary and I'm completely thrilled over it. Unlike our first ward we have tons of young men and women here and they are all awesome!
This summer has been a little nuts. Jude and I have pretty much been taking it a little easy and mostly have been partners in pure silliness.
Oh yah.....we cut Jude's hair. We already miss it and Jude has decided himself that he will grow it back.
This is an awesome children's train that goes around the McAllen Mall. Since this mall is only 5 minutes away we usually go to it but it drives me nuts that Jude insists he must ride the train every time we go. Bandanas and Conductor caps are starting to pile up!
Yessss that is me in the train. What can I say adults got to have their fun too. 
This museum/beach store is on the way to South Padre Island.
Oh yah.....we cut Jude's hair. We already miss it and Jude has decided himself that he will grow it back.This is an awesome children's train that goes around the McAllen Mall. Since this mall is only 5 minutes away we usually go to it but it drives me nuts that Jude insists he must ride the train every time we go. Bandanas and Conductor caps are starting to pile up!Yessss that is me in the train. What can I say adults got to have their fun too. This museum/beach store is on the way to South Padre Island.
Jude even got to have a second 5th bday party because his grandparents insisted on having one with close family and friends. What a lucky booger. .jpg)
Jude started school today and he begins a new adventure in the life of a kinder kiddo. Meanwhile I can't wait to get started with school and work.
What's been going on with Brandon?
I am happy to report that he is doing well and currently in Camp Humphrey. He's been able to see some of the culture on weekends and says that they actually make food spicy enough which is something really rare for him. 
He's doing really well in his clinic and we get to see him almost everyday on Skype. We miss him dearly and I'm eager to see him when he finally gets time off in the middle of his assignment.I really did love living in Maryland and miss it very much. Perhaps one day we will return.
