Oh Canada!

Our time up here in Halifax has been a whirlwind!  Ben started school, I got a job (not a "real" one, but one to keep me busy until I can do hygiene again), seen the sights, loved spending time with friends, and have just enjoyed life.  I can't speak for Ben (although I think we're thinking the same), but I love it here.  Most of it probably has to do with the awesome people we've met, and basically spend all our free time with, but Hey, that's what makes life fun right?  We were welcomed to the "Utah" dental student clan right when we got here, it's been great having people in the same situation, with the same problems (USA withdrawals =]).  It's been a while since I've met so many guys who are like Ben and just tease and tease and tease.  He fits right in, and I continue to be the brunt of many jokes (mostly started by Ben), and we both feel at home.  I think we're going to have 4 amazing years up here. Anyway, here are some pictures of some things we have done and seen.  It's definitely not everything, but it's what I've got for ya.

Shortly after we got here, we heard about berry picking, and we had to go.  A large group of us ended up going and getting lots of blueberries and raspberries.  They were amazing.  It was hot, and we were outside, but the berries were worth it.  We pounded through our raspberries and will probably finish up our blueberries soon, but there's always next year!

Afterwards, we stopped to get ice cream, and found this little gem of a place.  It had a small pond, some animals and a little playground area.  Here's Ben and Nate helping Brecklyn and Cam feed the animals.

And Nate, so graciously, took a picture of us on in the boat at the "park."  Yeah, we're kids.

Ben's school had like a million activities planned for their "orientation" week to help the students get to know each other and the area better.  While most of the activities involved drinking, clubbing and bar hopping, they did a Harbour Hopper tour and let the families go too.  Basically, we took a tour of downtown Halifax on this bus thing, which also turned into a boat.  It was pretty sweet.

Here's a view of Halifax from the water.  It was pretty awesome being on the water.

On the tour, we drove past our apartment building - here it is.  Harbour Ridge.  

The school also had a softball tournament during Orientation week for the students.  It was the first time I had ever seen Ben play (and maybe even his first time playing?) and I was impressed.  He was sexy.  No wonder I've always dated athletes.  Don't worry older brothers, Ben's an athlete even if he didn't play sports in high school =] 

A few weeks into school, Ben had his White Coat Ceremony.  When I was telling my mom about this, she asked "So.....is that like where he gets his lab coat?"  She wasn't very impressed, and when you put it like that, it does sound pretty lame.  But it was cool to see him walk across the stage, get a coat put on him (with his name, I might add), sign the pledge (or whatever it was), and be "officially" on his way to becoming a doctor.  I mean, look at that guy, don't you want him to be your dentist??

We have also had the pleasure of visiting the temple a couple times since we've been here.  It SUPER small, but still very pretty and I love going.  It's weird because it's only open certain times each day, so you can't just pop on over like we've been doing at the temples in Utah.  Yes, we are definitely not in Utah anymore =]  Here we are in front of it.

And Ryan and Janae, who we went with one of the times.  I don't think Ryan will ever let me live this trip down because I totally banged my knee super loud during a quiet moment.  Awkkkkward...

Last weekend was Canada's Thanksgiving, so we both had the day off.  Ben wanted to take me to a place he had breakfast at when he came up here for his interview, so we got up early and drove along the water for about an hour and had breakfast.  We then stopped by one of the beaches on our way home and walked along it for a while.  It was nice.  The weather was perfect for a Fall day and it was nice to be outside together.  Oh, and it doesn't hurt that the beach was gorgeous.  

Ben showing me a dead crab right before he threw it at me.  So sweet.

It was so peaceful walking along the sand and rocks with the small waves in the background.  Felt like I was back in California =]

As you can see, we've been enjoying our time up here these past 2 months.  I'm excited to see what the next 4 years brings us.  =]