Life after

 

It took a few days for Enzo to settle back into a life outside the hospital.  I think he misses all the pretty caretakers that gave so much love to him.  But he is back, alive and kicking and having a blast trying to live life to its fullest!  

Here's a fun little adventure we went through the day after Enzo was discharged.  Long story short, we had to wait for Enzo's discharge date to be confirmed before reserving a place to stay. 

The reservation for the Airbnb stated it was in a neighborhood called Avalon in Jacksonville.  However, it was "near" Avalon in a not so great area and the pile of trash in front of the house was only the first clue that this house was not going to be occupied by us that very night.  

Holes in the walls, floors, and a lot of other uncomfortable displays of ruins had us head south towards my mom's neighborhood where we were fortunate enough to get a hotel room for our family.  

The next day we realized that the combination of Spring Break and the desire to be in Florida was high and we could not find an Airbnb for the dates we needed nor could afford.  Fortunately the hotel manager was kind to offer us an extended stay with an extended stay price.  Yes, the 4 of us in a tiny hotel room for almost a month is a lot, but I think the boys are truly enjoying it.  

Did I forget to mention we are within walking distance to my mom's?  This came as a big help during a small step challenge that was going on at City Bible Church, the church we began attending while Enzo was in hospital.  

Keeping true to our way of life, we have found some exciting events to attend, like the Reading Day event at the main library in Jacksonville.

While we were driving, we decided to take a look at the USS ORLECK and drove to the parking lot to take a closer look.  We didn't know it was an actual museum.  

https://jaxnavalmuseum.org/

Naturally we went inside.  Unfortunately it's not very Enzo friendly (think steep ladders and enclosed spaces) so Eli and I went inside while Papa and Enzo hung out outside.  

Naturally we love road trips so we went down a couple of hours to visit a friend and pick up Scott's firefighter gear.  

Eli is truly loving having Papa's gear back in his sights.  He can't wait to try it on.  Every.  Single. Day!

Although I didn't get to see it, there was a beautiful ballroom dancing competition at the convention center near us.  Maybe next year I will go check it out.  

Look who we got to see sing at the Jacksonville symphony!  Campbell Walker Fields. This guy knows how to sing.  He brought us to tears, had us laughing and even made us want to dance!  What a talent!

I have no doubt settling down in Florida and creating a "home base" here will be fun!  Although I don't take pictures all the time, it's been so fun catching up with old friends, like Chris.  Would you believe he was Scott's roommate almost 30 years ago!  WOW!  How time flies!  Here's to another 30 years of friendship with Chris and everyone reading this right now!