OK, I'm back...and a few more PHX likes/dislikes

Sorry I've been away from the blog the past week, or so. We are now in Boston and getting used to Eastern Time Zone, seafood and the mass transit system. Definitely loving it here, but missing Arizona, too!

Here are some things that we miss:

THE PEOPLE
Where to start...Well, let's start with my family.

Sarah and I

• My cousin Sarah, her husband Justin and little boy Nathan were probably the best part of Phoenix for me. It was so nice to have family on so close to us. Not to mention, Sarah has been more like a sister to me since we were little. It was so difficult leaving her, the boys and the new addition that will come in 7 months! I may have cried a little (a lot) when Sarah dropped Luke, Hamilton and I at the airport hotel the night before we left Phoenix. I miss them already :(

Luke plays with the Church at Litchfield Park worship band.

• We found the The Church at Litchfield Park when we got lost finding a new restaurant (we won a gift certificate to the restaurant). Some may call it a coincidence, I like to see it differently. We made so many friends and had a blast attending the services and helping out. We love how accepting they are of everyone...no matter who they are or where they come from. I hope we can find a church just as awesome and welcoming as The Church at Litchfield Park.

• Our friends at work have been the best anyone could ask for! We have loved getting to know everyone at American & Western Art Collector magazines and the Republic. In a difficult economic climate, they have become priceless at keeping us smiling and giving us encouragement. We will be lucky to have co-workers half as cool as the ones we've had in AZ!

• Our landlords, Laurie and Ben, have been the best we will ever have. I don't believe it would be possible for another landlord to top them. They are some of the most caring, hard-working and kind people we know. We had a blast in our Avondale house...we got to experience a piece of what it is like to take care of a house. And if we had an issue, our landlords were there ASAP. Laurie, a personal finance specialist, also showed us how to save for our future. We owe so much to them and are so blessed they came into our lives when they did.

PLACES TO GO AROUND TOWN

At a Reds game in Goodyear this spring

Spring Training
We will miss the springtime so much. The weather is absolutely perfect and for a month we could drive anywhere in town to see a great baseball game. Fenway Park will help ease this pain, though.

Restaurants
There is so much good food in this town...it is eclectic, authentic and down home yumminess. Here's our list of some of our favorite places to eat:

Yogurtland!

• Yogurtland: The flavors of ice cream are what bring us back more than the ability to "make it your own." We are always wondering what flavors will come out next month. We hope there will be something similar to this in Boston!
• Cindy's Cafe: Located in Mesa, this was our go-to brunch spot when Luke was living out in the east valley. Their pancakes and home fries are awesome and it reminds us of the mom-and-pop restaurants back in our hometowns
• Pita Jungle: This place is awesome. I don't like hummus that much, but I love theirs. Things Luke and I also love there: garlic potatoes, sweet potato french fries, pita pizzas.
• Los Olivos: Some of the best Mexican food you will find. This place makes their own tortillas, chorizo and I'm sure a lot of other ingredients.
• Sens: While our ultimate favorite restaurant in town was Fate, Sens features the same chef: Johnny Chu. Best.Tofu.Ever. And the sauces will clear out any sinus ailments you may have.
• Red's Steakhouse: I'm not a big steak eater, but this place is awesome. I'd never had a piece of steak melt in my mouth before I came here (Maybe it was because this steak was A LOT of $$ and we had a gift certificate..haha). The sides and dessert are amazing, as well. The creme brulee is to die for!
• In & Out: I never heard of this place before coming to Phoenix, and I'm not much for fast food. But I will make an exception with this place. The fries are my favorite, along with the prices!

Next up, some posts from Boston!