We have lived in Hershey, PA for almost two months now. Time has gone by both quickly and slowly. I still have to use my GPS to get anywhere besides the university and the grocery store. And I still don't know what a "township" is (we live in Derry Township??). But one thing I do know for sure...I love it here!!
Here are some of my favorite things about Hershey (in no particular order):
The Color Green
Yes, that's right. Back in Utah I have been known to say, "It's looking so green this year!" Well, I understand that when you live in a desert you need to appreciate the slightest hint of green. But we have no shortage of "green" here. It is so beautiful!
Everyone seems to appreciate this beauty by taking walks, jogging or running at any time of the day. I see people running hard at 2:00 in the afternoon and can only think to myself, "Bless that dedicated soul." Liv and I have started to embrace this walking mentality, but we will only brave the heat between 9:00 - 10:00am. (Although, I must say that this summer hasn't been as humid as I was expecting. Nature seems to be easing us into the East. She knows I hate humidity so she toned it down this summer so I'll stay.)
Here are a few pictures from our regular walking route:
Staying Home
Now that we've moved away from family (aka accessible babysitters) I have the opportunity to stay home full-time with Liv. It has been great! Not to say that it hasn't been an adjustment. I don't think anyone can understand the monotony of constantly cleaning up a dirty house until they have experienced it... However, in between vacuuming and the dishes we fit in some pretty fun times. Like teaching her all about popsicles, how to walk (coming slowly), and playing in the water.
New Friends and Chocolate
Of course, this is the chocolate city and we have plenty to go around. Hershey Park and Chocolate World are just around the corner from our house. Unfortunately, I haven't really experienced "the city smelling of chocolate" as lots of people have promised. Maybe we're just not out at the right time or in the right part of the city, but I think that's a good thing because it means I haven't gotten sick of chocolate yet.
And who better to share all this chocolate with than some new good friends. Luckily, we had five new first year medical students in our ward this year. We all share a special wives-of-medical-students bond. We even somehow recruited one of the elite second years (Zoe) to be our friend. :) These girls are great and they don't mind hanging out with an old mommy and a baby.
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| Left to Right: Kayla, Zoe, me and Liv, Brittany (MIA: Hillary) |
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| The gift shop at Chocolate World. So much candy! |
Our "Backyard"
Our apartment building has a large lawn with our own little woods behind it. Liv and I love to spend afternoons in the shade, on a blanket or in the hammock, enjoying books, toys, bubbles, and of course popsicles. We have a small park just up the street with baby swings that we visit once a week. It's so nice to have a little "escape" just outside our door.
And of course...
The Medical School
Chris has really been enjoying his classes at Penn State and it is exciting (and daunting) to be learning new skills that will help him become a great physician. His white coat ceremony took place on August 1st. All the medical students were presented with their own white coat, symbolizing their commitment to their patients, science, and the betterment of healthcare. The ceremony was very inspirational, with many doctors, alumni and students giving speeches. It was a great beginning to the next four years of his life. (Sorry about the poor quality of the pictures. I swear they make the lighting so bad on purpose!)
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| The students reciting an oath that they wrote outlining their commitments to medicine |
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| The five first-years in their new coats |
And those are just a few reasons why we are really enjoying our new home here in Hershey. Anyone is invited to visit anytime! We'll be sure to show you a grand old time!
Next up...some of the weird things about Hershey.
