Hello Arizona!

We are moving to Phoenix, Arizona!

We figured that since Nick is a foreigner why not torture ourselves and move to the least foreign friendly state? Hello Arizona!

We’ve actually been planning this move for a while now, but honestly it is difficult for me to think about it because I am really sad about leaving Prague. I’ve lived in the Czech Republic for nearly 6 years now and although there have definitely been times when I wanted nothing more then to go back to America, this country has really become my home. Ever since we decided to move back to the states I’ve started making a laundry list of all the things I’m going to miss here, especially our family and friends! There is the amazing cheap beer, fantastic bread rolls that I live on and nice Maternity leave so I don’t have to work and so much more! I’ll miss the awkwardness of the Czech people and freedom to wear whatever I want without being judged (no more socks in sandals?). I actually felt nostalgic when the Ghost Buster’s theme song came on while I was at Billa. Good-bye tacky European radio, I think I might actually miss you! There are just so many things that I love about Prague and the people here, it is going to be really difficult to leave.

BUT living without an In ‘n Out burger near by has become too devastating also Nick was accepted to an excellent phD program at Arizona State University! So, we’ve decided to pack up the fam and become desert rats. If worse comes to worse and Nick does get deported back to the Czech Republic because he forgot his green card whilst on a midnight trip to the golden arches, then I’m pretty sure we will survive. I am currently in the process of looking for a home as well as a part-time job as I finish up my Master’s degree program here in Prague. In June I will have my thesis defense and state exam. Then at the end of July we will fly to California and then drive to Arizona.
Nick finished his Master’s program last month and will graduate summa cum laude! Currently, he is busy working a number of jobs and preparing for his studies next year. Isabella just had her first birthday! She is doing very well. She has a great sense of humor (I wonder where she gets it from?) and loves playing games with people, especially keep-a-way and peek-a-boo. She is looking forward to the nice weather in Arizona and being able to swim more (since she is secretly a fish stuck in the body of a small girl).

The first question all of our neighbors have been asking us when we tell them we are moving is, what about Mia?!? Mia, who is somewhat of a star in our neighborhood, will be coming with us. We are already praying to St.Francis that our nervous little dog survives the plane ride without too many anxiety attacks and is able to adapt to desert life. We’ve assured her that they have sticks and sausages in Phoenix as well.

So, that’s our big news and belated update! We hope this news finds you all well!