Summative- last month in TN.

The long sojourn South repeated itself for the last time (at least for the last time because of school). This time instead of racing to the Volunteer state, only stopping at flea bitten motels- as we did last time; we traveled in style. We became adept in navigating the middle class hotel scene (booking online to conceal the fact that we had 2 children that they would most likely try to charge us for), took breaks along the way (extending the drive to 5 days), and mostly ate out of coolers full of pre-prepared "liver cleanse diet" foods (something that came to a halt the second we arrived at our destination). We were blessed to be able to spend one night with the Jim & Rachel's in Oklahoma- we had a good time catching up, we miss them!

Portions of the return to the south were something of a reunion: spending weekends with our adopted families, the Stites and the Ross'; getting to see classmates and their families, and soaking up the southern hospitality that we had been missing. Getting to live next door to the Russels, while in the nursing home apts, was fun- especially because we both have children that cry at night. Haha! Other parts of the return were an extension of the madness we had lived for 2 years. Sometimes humorous, but other times mind numbing. Volleyball, dinner at Catfish Country, and Dirt Cheap shopping sprees helped to restore some meaning to our lives in the heat of it all.

Thankfully, when it was all said and done- I got my diploma and we headed home.

We spent the last night of our drive home camping... in a tent too small for a family of 4... during a night that was too cold for just a few blankets... on lumpy ground without padding... it was surprisingly so much fun! Because we weren't able to sleep much we woke at 4am to cook breakfast on the fire and were on the road by 5am. The experience inspired us to stop at the bargain cave at Cabellas in Oklahoma and buy a much larger tent. 

Graduation was 2 weeks down the road so we decided to skip out on that, but just excited to be done!

We are still awaiting test results from the PANCE (PA board exam). After those are in (assuming I passed) we are ready to start the new schedule of long work days, and loan payback. Fun fun.