Austin to Boston

SO. MUCH. HAS. HAPPENED! It has been a whirlwind. We've just made the big move to the Boston area. We've lived here for a month now and so far we love it! Bear with me, this may be a long post, because we had a lot happen recently.

Before moving, we couldn't leave without doing our last hurrahs in Texas. We decided to revisit the places in the Austin area that we always enjoyed. Our house was soon under contract after two weeks of being on the market. Time crept on us and it was time to move. Saying goodbye to the place that we've called home for four years was not easy, but we knew that there were great things to come.

During the moving process, Autumn and I made a quick getaway to California. We figured that it would be easier for Autumn if we fly to California first to see my family. Meanwhile, Collin would drive all of our stuff in a Penske truck with our dog. We would then fly to Massachusetts to meet Collin. He was amazing for staying behind to move our stuff all the way from Texas. 

Our California trip was unforgettable. We enjoyed getting some quality time in with my family, especially since we don't see them often. I always love returning to the place where I was born and raised. 

Things started off by going on a two-day beach trip to celebrate my mom's birthday. My sister Kelsey was so sweet to arrange the trip for us. We went to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on the first day. Growing up, I always enjoyed going to the boardwalk with my family. I was excited for Autumn to experience the fun that I had as a kid. Autumn is my little fishy. She loves the water. She loved the splashing around in the ocean and rolling around in the sand. We spent most of that time relaxing and walking near the ocean. It made me wonder what the beach is going to look like in Massachusetts.

Autumn and her cousins got to go on some fun rides at the Boardwalk. (She only went on one ride, but still enjoyed it.)  It brought back so many great memories of coming here as kids. When I was growing up, the fun rides, sweet treats, carnival games and bright lights always made me smile. I was so happy Autumn could have similar experiences at the Boardwalk.

Our next destination was the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Autumn loves animals so I knew she was going to have a ball. This is another place I enjoyed visiting as a kid. It's huge and is very kid-friendly. All I can say is I am glad I wore running shoes that day. Autumn had so much energy. She would wander off so fast. I could barely keep up. Even though she wore me out, I was glad she enjoyed seeing all the sea animals.

I loved being the California again especially for my mom's birthday. It was so good to be with her and the rest of my family this summer. I enjoyed just all the simple things that we did together, like playing games, going to a park, and swimming. I don't know when we'll be in California again, but it was great to spend time with them before the move. No matter what, my heart will always belong to the West Coast.

In the blink of an eye, we were on the plane heading to Boston. After a week and half, we were reunited with Collin. It was nighttime when we arrived, but I got a glimpse of the city. Even in the dark, it is just as beautiful as people described. Upon arriving in the area, our place was already set up. Collin's parents came in town to help him set up our apartment. We also had people in our new ward help out too which was so nice. We love our new ward. There are a lot of friendly people who really make an effort to reach out to you. I was so thankful that everyone worked so hard to move everything.   

During the first few days in Massachusetts, we were just blown away! It is so green and luscious during the summer. There are so many trees and vegetation, even more than Austin. There is so much to like about the Boston area. The only thing is that it is really expensive to live here. Because of that, we had to go from living in a house to an apartment, but that's okay. There's lots of perks to living in an apartment. The idea of not having to mow the lawn and replace our garbage disposal made us excited.

Overall, we love our apartment! It's in great condition. Our new home is in Weymouth which is about a half hour away from Boston. (Without traffic.) We're also not too far from the beach.

We had a Wheeler family reunion immediately after we moved. Everyone on Collin's side of the family came together in Boston to celebrate the 4th of July. It has been three years since we have all been together so a reunion was way overdue.

Autumn got some extra cousin time. She even memorized their names, which was impressive. She had fun playing with them. Seeing her interact with the family really warmed my heart. She was very privileged to get to know both sides of the family this summer.

During the Wheeler reunion, we did a lot of activities in Downtown Boston. We quickly realized there is so much to do in the city. Because traffic is so crazy here, we got around by using the Subway. We went to the New England Aquarium, Christopher Columbus Park, Paul Revere Monument, The Greenway, Boston Commons, USS Constitution, and the Quincy Market. For the 4th, I went to the Boston Pops to see fireworks with Collin's parents. The show was spectacular! Everything about the city is spectacular. 

Towards the end of the reunion, we went to the Nantasket Beach. This was my first time going to a beach on the East Coast and it exceeded my expectations. The water temperature was comfortable and the waves weren't really big. The tide rises so fast so we had to rush to move all our stuff so they wouldn't get wet. Autumn couldn't get enough of the water. She is my little mermaid who likes to make a splash.

We couldn't believe that family was leaving so soon.We also couldn't believe that we weren't leaving. I had to pinch myself and keep saying, "this is our home now." Anything that we missed at the reunion we can still experience at anytime we want. We were so thankful that Collin's family made such a huge effort to come to Boston for the 4th of July week. It was so great to see everyone again.

Collin was back in the work field the Monday after Independence Day; this time at Wayfair. I can confidently say that he loves his new job. He has been training for the last month and is making tremendous progress.



We are slowly getting settled in our new place. There are still boxes that have yet to be unpacked, but at least we are living comfortably. We have experienced the tip of the iceburg when it comes to the Boston area so there is way more to see. Adventures calls and we can’t wait!

Texas:








Texas State Capitol







ATX. Can't believe this was our home for four years






"You're My Butter Half" Mural in Austin





Mount Bonnell







Magnolia Farms in Waco







San Antonio Temple







My Grandfather's Grave Site at Sam Houston Cemetery






Lake Pflugerville. Already missing this town.





 Collin sent me this picture saying, "Punch it Chewie." as he was about to leave Texas.






California:





Santa Cruz Beach with my babe






Sunbathing










At the boardwalk with my mom on her birthday






The Giant Dipper will always be my favorite ride at the boardwalk






We celebrated carnival style and ate a funnel cake







Making discoveries at the Monterey Bay Aquarium








She was mesmerized by the "wawa."







The Beautiful California Coast







The jellyfish is always my favorite








Grandma with her three grandkids. She's the best!








A visit with my dad and Grandma Carter








I went down memory lane at my old high school





We love Auntie Kelsey and cousin Everett




Sacramento Temple with my amazing sis




Massachusetts:









Wheeler Family Reunion 2019





Collin with his parents and siblings






 Grandparents with their five grandchildren






 Love this picture!



Our 4th of July Family Picture





My Little Firecracker




Of course, I have to include blooper pictures




Behind the Scenes






We made it to our new home!





The dock just outside the New England Aquarium






Paul Revere Monument







 What a beautiful city!







The Quincy Market next to one of favorite buildings in the city, the Custom House Tower






Autumn playing with her cousin Hudson at Boston Commons







The Massachusetts Capitol. This was the best picture I could get of it.




 The USS Constitution







All Aboard





 Nantasket Beach






 Family fun. I still can't believe we live a half hour away from here!






 My Little Fishy





 Our kitchen is amazing!




 It doesn't have a bad view either. So much green!




 Here is a view from the outside of our apartment with our Penske truck full of our stuff






 It's like living in a hotel. We love it!





 Collin's first day at Wayfair. Not too shabby.





 He has a great view from his office





 Collin's mom stayed a few extra days and did a lot of cleaning and babysitting. Autumn loves her "gama"





 We went on a special date for our anniversary.
































   



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