We Moved!

(The last picture taken in our home.)

After much thought, we decided to move just up the street to different town home unit. It's basically the same square footage, but has a different layout. The biggest difference is that we upgraded from two bedrooms to three.

I've lately felt strongly that Anna would really benefit from having her own space. This played heavily into our decision to move. So far it has been the best thing in the world for her. She has been testing the system by inviting Isaac into her room and then promptly kicking him out. Isaac is not such a fan of this system.

Also, this place does not have carpet in the dining area. And it has granite counter tops. And better carpet. And walls that aren't white. And it is in a quieter location. It's great.

Since we moved just up the street I spend the better part of a week moving small batches to the new place. The Elders Quorum helped us with the big things. Bless them.

While not much has changed there are a couple of things I will miss from the old place.

• The four trees out my kitchen window. I loved watching them change season to season. Green and full in the summer, orange in the fall, white bark and sometimes snow laden in the winter, and bright spring green in the spring. Glorious.
• Big closets and bathroom. On of the sacrifices to upgrading to three bedrooms was downgrading closet size. Also, we had a double-sink in the master. I miss it.

I tried to "rest my eyes" while the kids were playing in the living room. I don't know why I think it will work to lay down in the middle of their play space and grab some shut eye.**


I ended up becoming a launch pad for the couch.


Bah! Stinkin' kids!


Despite my orneriness, I (somewhat) embraced the situation and took some shots of the kids as they bounded off my midsection.

**I recently ran across this hilarious blog post on sleeping face down. I'll have to try it next time.

Anna's Projects

Anna has been working on these letter "projects" for the last year. In preparation for our move, we took down the letters, and took pictures of each one to make a book. (Thanks for the great idea, Sarah!) It made the parting process much easier as Anna was very attached to her wall mural.

I can't believe how grown up Anna looks in this picture. She is such a great girl!

Cars

I know this is blurry and the lighting is bad, but I still love it. It's very typical of Isaac.

Memorial Day Weekend

We decided last minute to drive to Utah for Memorial Day Weekend. (I love living so close we can do that!) Unfortunately my parents had already planned a trip and were out of town. Thankfully, my family still got together for lunch and a graveside visit to Grandpa and Grandma Woods' grave.

Most of the weekend was spent at the Sollis' abode. Anna, as always, had a fabulous time with her cousins and since Aunt Jenny decided to have her baby while we were there, even got to have a sleepover with Riser and Kayson.

Isaac spent every possible moment outside playing in Grandpa Larry and Grandma Marlene's backyard. If he was forced inside, the big container of Matchbox cars kept him happy.

Happily, Jeff was able to go with the kids and Grandpa J to visit Melba's grave. I was so glad Anna and Isaac were able to go and spend time with J. He took them all out to Arctic Circle afterwards.

We managed to fit Arctic Circle in one more time with Cynth, Jen, Larry, and Marlene. This is always a request of Anna's when we visit. She loves that place. I think it's the complimentary cones she loves so much.

First Swim of the Season

It was beautiful and warm today. Anna has been begging to go swimming, but the complex pool doesn't open until Memorial Day. To compensate, we picked up what may end up being the best purchase of the summer: a $10 plastic pool.

I am sure our family has become the bane of all our neighbors. Our porch is a serious eyesore. Such is the life of town home living. There is no yard to hide our junk. Missing from this picture is the rusty, second-hand grill and plastic water cans we keep handy for watering the weeds.

After picnicing we broke out the bubbles and chalk.

We sunned ourselves for two hours, which is a bit of a feat for me. I must admit I sometimes have a hard time letting go of the to-do list and giving my kids adequate time outside. Another downfall of no yard--constant supervision required. But it was good. I enjoyed it a lot. Bring on summer!




And, it must be noted, I got me some bangers. Still adjusting, but I think I like.

Chuck-E-Cheese

Always a good time at the Chuck-E-Cheese. Anna had a great time running around with her friend Kaitlin, and Isaac just liked running around. I think I lost track of him at least 10 times.

Riding "Tellie-tellies." Anna spent many a token on this ride, even though she hasn't seen the show and its maybe the most boring ride ever.

Isaac discovered a love of skee-ball.

Isaac was not so happy about posing for pictures.

Anna, Kaitlin, and a giant band-aid. Dang stitches.