In between trainings, Josh got one Saturday free. We decided to head up to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro for the day. It is only a 50 minute drive from us. The kids were so excited. As we were getting off the exit for the zoo we saw a sign with arrows leading us to the Pisgah covered bridge and decided to take a little detour. At first we didn't know how long of a detour we were actually on as we drove through windy roads in the back woods of NC. About 10 minutes later we arrived at the bridge. The kids loved it. We decided it was worth the detour.
Standing in front of the bridge.
Trying to get a family shot with the bridge in it. I told the kid this was the bridge that Ichabod Crane had to get to when the Headless Horseman was chasing him. They all got a little bit creeped out/intrigued. They loved exploring around the little stream and the bridge.
Now at the zoo. It was a perfect NC January day. The temp was about 59 degrees. Most people were in their parkas and we pretty much had the zoo to ourselves. We of course thought it was summer weather. Standing in front of the buffalo.
Teag wanted to ride it of course.
Then they all wanted to ride it.
Teag told Josh to put me up there. Ha ha. I told him Daddy was strong, but not strong enough to lift a 300 lb pregnant woman up there!
We spent 4.5 hours walking around the 5 miles of paved trails. It was a great day. The kid were exhausted and so was the 300lb pregnant woman.
The next week the kids played outside everyday after school doing chalk and anything else they could think of. They went to the land of Terebithia (thanks to Kenady having to read that book at school,) blew bubbles, rode bikes and have loved this great weather in January.
Kenady doing her homework outside since it was so nice!
So far, besides Josh being gone for 4 of the first 6 weeks we have been here, we have been enjoying it here. After he finishes this current training he will be home for 6 months and I can't wait.
We love the weather, the ward, the schools are growing on us, and the close proximity to tons of cool things to do and see.
We don't love the early school times, the pine sap on my car, black interior of our car (we live in the "Sandhills" and it is called that for good reason).
We still miss our friends and family and I can't believe how much I miss my house. I honestly didn't think I would have those feelings about a house but nonetheless. We have some fun things planned that our family will get to do while we are here and we are going to soak in every bit of this eastern/southern living!
Making the pizzas.
The finished product. I have to say, aside from the oddly shaped hearts that I attempted to roll out, the pizza was very delicious. 
The next morning the kids awoke to some valentines candies, along with valentines for each of them and coupons to get happy meals for dinner that night. They were beyond excited. Like I said, easy to please. Josh was gone for Valentines Day, but don't worry, he (I) did get me a box of chocolates that were eaten in approximately 1.5 days. Thankfully, they were not all eaten by me, although I did do some damage on the caramel filled ones. 
