feeling better

So, I am fine now. Things have become a little more normal for us and I am going to make it here just fine. I really appreciate all the emails and calls I received in response to my whiny, frustrated email last week and just want to tell you all thank you for being the best friends and family ever!!We had a great weekend together as a family- we went to the beach, Sunken Meadow State Park, about 25 minutes away and it was really beautiful and fairly relaxing. We also met some great dogs and kids that live here in the apts. and the kids' favorite evening activity now is to go throw balls to all the dogs outside on the big lawn in front of our place. The kids and I took a walk the other day to a park that has a pond with ducks, a swimming pool and fun trails so I am enjoying finding the new places around us. There are so many restaurants and every store you could ever want (H&M's everywhere!) or imagine within 10-15 min. Manhasset is a beautiful area of NYC and we are lucky to be in such a great place. Dave is very happy with his residency so far and comes home saying, "I am so glad we decided to come here" everyday. The people are very friendly and just love the kids and love seeing Dave in his "dad" role since they knew him w/o kids for the whole month. He's excited about the training he's receiving here at North Shore University Hospital (that's the name of the hospital for those of you who keep asking- "now, what hospital is it?") and thinks it's pretty cool that he gets to wear black scrubs- he looks great in them!Our ward is very exciting, since it just became a ward in Nov. 2006 and there is lots of service to do! It is about 50% Hispanic and the missionaries translate sacrament meeting and the relief society divides for the lesson, Spanish and English. I was called to be the secretary and a teacher in the RS and Dave as a counselor in the Elder's Quorum. He has been out with the Bishop three nights this week alone, and just got home tonight from speaking at a funeral of a man he met on Sunday (he past away later that night very unexpectedly). He is speaking at the Bishop's youth fireside on Sunday and just loves all these opportunities. I think the Bishop is pretty excited to have a good, right-hand man. The Primary has about 12 kids, but Zanna and James both had a great time on Sunday. I just love the way the church is the same everywhere you go and you always feel loved and accepted no matter where you are.This is long, so I will go, but we are happy and look forward to visits from Dale, Mindy and Bryce, Mom and Dad Mumford and anyone else who wants to come!!Love you all,Mel