Bate Family Adventures: Catching Up: Sting Rays, Moving, and Texas

July, August, September 2016

On the 4th of July we decided to celebrate by going to the aquarium. Not especially American, I know, but the aquarium was fairly empty and we had a great time. We saw the cutest baby penguins, fighting otters, and my favorite - sting rays. I love when they swim up to the top of the tank and then float down to the bottom, with their crazy little mouths opening and closing. (Ask to see my sting ray impression sometime.) Jenner may have admitted that he enjoyed the aquarium more than the zoo this year. If you don't know, that is a big deal.

Jenner stopped going to work at Sutter Health (although he kept working part-time from home for awhile). In July we mostly prepared for the Big Move. It was stressful trying to nail down the logistics, and it was hard to pack while pregnant, but we made everything work.

And then the big day came. Our move began by us taking a big wrong turn an hour into the trip. We got back on track and the trip went smoothly from there on out. Did you know there is NOTHING in New Mexico? Well, I know that now. But to be fair, there is Albuquerque. We stayed at the famed Holiday Inn from Weird Al's song "Albuquerque." (It's pretty sad that this was the highlight.)

I actually enjoyed the car ride to Texas! It was nice to do absolutely nothing, since things were so crazy leading up to the move. Jenner and I listened to Brandon Sanderson's "Mistborn" and that made the trip much more enjoyable.

And then we arrived in Texas. It is HOT in Texas. Especially when you're pregnant. It was an uncomfortable few months.

Other than the heat (and the huge, gross roaches), Jenner and I really like Texas. There are great people here! And we have enjoyed some good Tex-Mex and Texas barbecue.

Jenner started his program at Texas A&M and had a very busy start between classes, applying for summer internships, and doing work for his graduate assistantship.

Fun at the aquarium

The world-famous Albuquerque Holiday Inn - "Where the towels are oh so fluffy!" If you haven't heard it then you should look it up and give it a listen!