Meant to be

Disclaimer: Journaling post, please feel free to skip.

Mike and I are getting more and more excited to move to Cincinnati. The idea of moving in a year and calling Cincinnati home is beginning to sink in. There have only been a few other times in my life when I have felt so good and so strongly about doing something as I do with moving to Cincinnati. Don't get me wrong, I'm totally scared to move. I've gotten quite comfortable with my little life in the SLC. But for whatever reason I know we are supposed to go to Cincinnati. Mike's decision to apply to their program was last minute. They were the last program we decided to apply to. We were looking through the medical fellowship program book and I said randomly, "Why not apply to Cincinnati?" At the time, so many months ago, we both felt good about the decision to apply to there. The city and the program sounded like a good fit for us, even though it was totally random and out of the blue to apply there. Since that moment I haven't stopped thinking about that place for whatever reason. After applying to their program a few weeks later Mike received an email from University of Cincinnati inviting him to come and interview and that interview was one of the best interviews Mike went on. Mike was even more impressed with the program than either of us thought he would be. Through out this process we both wanted and thought the easier thing would be to stay in Utah, and honestly we would have been thrilled and relieved to stay in SLC but we have both "known" for a long time we would be moving to Cincinnati. And since announcing we are moving to Cincinnati, I've been amazed at how many people know people who live there, have family who live there or they themselves lived there at one time. I've been very comforted by so many of you who can connect me to people who live/lived there. It's crazy, cliche, and cheesy but it seems that moving to Cincinnati is meant to be for our little family.

I think it's going to be a great place to be. My oh so darling niece Katie sent me a whole list of things to do that she researched and put together for our little family. It was just so clever and creative how she put it together that I had to share.

Oh, the Places You'll Go! (click the places for more information)

Oh, the places you'll go! Oh, the places you'll go!

You'll have a great time, an adventure, you know.

First you can go to the Garden and Zoo,

To look at animals with Charlotte, and roar with them too.

Next you can head to the Children's Theater,

Watch a show and buy some popcorn, maybe save some for later.

Another fun place is Coney Island,

Remember your swimsuit, because this is not dry-land!

The Ensemble Theater of Cincinnati,

Is a great date place for mommy and daddy.

Take Charlotte down to Duke's,

A museum for kids that got great reviews!

Go on a date to the Ball Park, after Charlotte's in bed,

“Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks” and watch the good old Reds.

How 'bout a walk with the family up the little Mount Adams?

Once you get to the tippy top, you will be oh-so “glad-ums!”

Aunt Laura! Aunt Laura! The Mount Airy Forest!

A great place for running, with trails shouting, “Explore us!”

Here's some ideas of what you can do,

When you're feeling lonely and miserable, too.

If you want more, here's where to look!

There's lots of ideas in this Things To Do nook.

We want you to know that you won't be 'forgot',

Because we'll think of you always and miss you a lot.

We look forward to visits at Christmas and in summer,

We wish we could see you more, it's really a bummer.

But don't get weighed down by this long distance thing,

Just think of the blessings a trial can bring.

Oh, the places you'll go! Oh, the places you'll go!

You'll have a great time, an adventure, you know.

Best wishes and luck and lots of squeezed hands,

We miss you and love you,

The Erickson Clan

Sounds like a great city right? Lots of fun things to do and family friendly.

How fabulous is that poem? Love it. Love that Katie and her family took the time to research the city and put this list together. I may or may not cry every time I read through it. Thank you! Thank you!

I can't thank all of you who commented, enough for your support and help! It's nice knowing so many of you know people I can get in touch with. It makes the idea of leaving seem a lot easier knowing I will "know" a few people there already. Thank you! Thank you!