Two Months in Review

Have you wondered where we've been? Well, we've been packing, driving across the country, celebrating a wedding, driving across the country, packing, driving across the country, unpacking and trying to get everything sorted out when you move from one house in one state to another house in another state. Yep...it has been a busy couple of months. So here is a brief recap.

The month of July was filled with packing, cleaning, & packing some more. But the end of the month was our favorite. We drove to Utah for my sister Heather's wedding. On the way we hung out with our good friends Scott & Sara & Family. We had a great time catching up and analyzing everything from family life to General Conference. We had a great time watching Eliza become instant friends with Jacob. They went everywhere together and couldn't have had more fun together. I love this picture I snapped of the two of them on our "hike."

Heather & Jared's wedding was wonderful. You can see more pictures by the photographer here. It was so fun to watch her get ready that morning. When walking into the room where the family was waiting you could hear all the grandkids squeal. She looked stunning in her wedding dress (made by my mom) and she and Jared couldn't have looked any happier. Congratulations again Heather & Jared.

Here is a picture of Liesel with the bride.

I also love this picture of Eliza with her other 'best friend,' cousin Nathan. Those two were inseparable.

Then it was back to Colorado to pack up everything else and load the moving truck. We had such fantastic help from our ward family. The young men & women and a handful of other adults came one night and helped us load the truck and clean our entire house. I can't imagine trying to do all they did by ourselves. It was a huge blessing. Tragically I have no pictures of any of it. I was a little busy.

Daniel's parents came too. Just in time to help us pack up, clean, and drive away. It was such a blessing to have them on the trip. Our moving truck kept breaking down and it took 8 hours longer than we expected with all the traffic & break down time. The thought of Daniel & me trying to do all that on our own still terrifies me. Thanks again Gma & Papa.

Lucky for us Gma & Papa got to stay for a few days to help us unload & get settled. The first day here was amazing. It started with 8 men from our new ward here to help us unload the truck at 8am. Another tender mercy. Then I watched Gma attack the kitchen, bathroom and the car with no fear, and then she went for the wood floors. And Papa Tom was just as adventurous setting up beds and tables and sorting the entire basement. I was feeling discouraged after a few hours but they kept me going. I am still surprised how all their help kept me from tears on a number of occasions.

But it wasn't all work with our special guests. The other highlights from the week with Gma & Papa included; a day at the lake (tragically the lightning started just at 'free swim' time), an anniversary outing for Daniel & me, a MSU campus tour including a stop at the Dairy, a nature walk/playground visit, and walks for Peter and Papa (I think those two are kindred spirits).

And now we are starting to get settled in. Daniel loves school including; reading, class mates, reading, lectures, reading, research and more reading. He was made to be a student! As for me I am working on establishing my routine in a new town. Every time we go somewhere new the girls say "New house, new town, new Target."

Check back next week to find out everyone's favorite place in our 'new' house. Here is a sneak peak.

Any guesses who's favorite place this is?