Farewell, Baltimore...Hello, Nashvegas!

It's been a long time since we've had a blogpost. 

We were a little busy packing, moving, unpacking, starting a new job, trying to put our stuff in storage, getting acclimated to a new city--you know, those types of things! 

Now that we have been in Nashville for about three weeks, we are beginning to get settled...and well, I (Carmen) am off from work this week (thank God for Fall Break), so I can spend some time updating you about our move and our newest stop on our journey. 

Some of my closest friends in Baltimore bid me farewell with a great "good-bye" dinner...I miss these girls so much...

As a family, we took a trip to the Maryland Zoo because Emmanuel LOVES watching the animals, and well, we had a buy one get one free coupon! 

Yes, Emmanuel got up close and personal with the goats...

And, no, I haven't lost my mind...the turtle that he is kissing is fake! 

I do miss seeing my dear friend carry her second child....but I have called several times to ask her to give the baby a kiss. 

Emmanuel was trying to attack Bella with a farewell kiss...she wasn't too pleased with this. 

So, they decided to try again...and he settled for just a hug. 

And, the women at my former job threw us a going away party.  I LOVED my job in Baltimore. My co-workers became a family for Eli, Emmanuel, and me.  God really used each of them in my life to help me better understand strong leadership and His amazing grace just a little bit better.  They were a source of healing for me on many fronts...especially throughout our last months in Baltimore.  And, by the way, they are some of the smartest and most professional people that I have ever encountered.  We were truly a power team in every since of the word, and I considered it a great honor and privilege to work with them.  

The whole family came out for the party!  (My mom came up to Baltimore to help us with the move.)

We jumped right into life in Nashvegas.  After unpacking and storing our items, I started my new job the very next day (this is not something that I would recommend).  And, we all have been going non-stop since.  

Here is Michael, posing after his football team won their game on his 8th Birthday. 

Here is my mom, posing after we participated in the Breast Cancer Walk/Run.  

Yes, yes, the babes was there, too.  

And you may be asking yourself, "How has Emmanuel adjusted to life in Nashville?  I mean, this blog is really supposed to be about him, so how is he doing?"

Emmanuel has adjusted AMAZINGLY!  He loves spending time with his cousins, and he loves all of the land in my mom's backyard.  He hasn't missed a beat...He truly is a gift to us and gives us awesome perspective on life.  "Be thankful in all circumstances..."

We had a pumpkin carving, caramel-apple-making, pumpkin-seed-baking, apple-cider-drinking party last week.  

Here's Mia with all of the decorated pumpkins. 

Here's Joshua (and, yes, he is wearing a heavy coat because it is THAT cold in Nashville....)

And, I guess James IV didn't get the "wear your heavy coat" memo. 

Emmanuel had more fun messing with his Uncle James (courtesy of daddy telling him to "get 'em, get 'em) and running around than he did playing with the pumpkins.  

I posted this picture so that you could see how much Emmanuel loves Michael (well, really so that you could see Lil' E's curls...)

Emmanuel does love hanging out with the big boys.  Most days I am thankful for their influence in his lives....most days...

And, as James IV put it in his SOUTHERN DRAWL, "Aunt Carmen, we love you, too....but we just like hanging out with Uncle Eli more."  

Well, our last three weeks has been jammed packed with activity.  We are still finding our way and our place here in Nashville.  Eli and I keep looking at ourselves and asking if this is really real...is this now really "home."  For now, it is, and we are thankful to have a place to come to where we are loved and supported and cared for unconditionally.