Italy is Out, Rhode Island is In

And we're ok with it.  In fact, we're actually really excited.  Through a long series of events and a twist of fate, Randy received a phone call from our detailer (aka Man Who Decides Our Fate) and he said, "We're canceling your orders to Naples and you're going to Newport, Rhode Island and there's nothing you can do about it!"
Our heads are still spinning from the news but here's a few reasons why we're excited about RI:

• Moving across the country is a walk in the park compared to moving over seas
• We don't have to sell/ship our cars and put half our belongings in storage
• We don't have to live out of suitcases for months waiting for our household goods to arrive with a newborn baby
• The boys won't have to be the "new kids" in Utah and then Italy.
• We get to stay together as a family
• We're a short drive from Boston, where our family started
• We're a short drive from NYC
• We love New England!

My apologies to all of you who planned to take advantage of free room and board when visiting us in Italy. Yes, we're missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but for whatever reason we have never felt really good about the idea of moving to Italy.  We had to keep reassuring ourselves that everything would work out and that it was the best thing for our family.  We already know from experience living overseas is exciting but it is also tough.  Now I feel like a huge burden has been lifted.  We can actually focus on the excitement of having another baby and celebrating Randy's upcoming graduation, both of which would be on the back burner compared to everything else we had going on.

So feel free to offer your condolences or congratulations but we're excited at this unexpected turn of events.