and then we moved again.

Good grief, it's been a while. A few million things have happened. Birthdays, holidays, highs and lows. But for now, I'll just focus on a big one.

Right before Thanksgiving, Jeff became aware of two job openings in his company in Utah. We've always been interested in returning to the west, (The mountains call to us.) but we did not foresee this happening for several more years. Long story short: Jeff interviewed, was offered, negotiated, accepted and now we are living in the basement of la casa Sollis while we search for a home.

I wish it was easier to move. Moving is a hard business. It taxes you emotionally, physically, financially. It puts stress on relationships. It's difficult to say goodbye.  It's difficult to start anew.

With that said, we are so happy to be here, nestled along side our Wasatch mountains, surrounded by family and loads of white snow.

Writer's Open House

Anna's first grade class hosted an open house to showcase their writing from the year so far. It was such a treat to spend some time with Anna and have her proudly show me some of her pieces. 

 "If I Were President" 

These three rascals spent most of their time terrorizing the bookshelves. 

 

Anna and a few of her classmates. Kayla, Sydney, Bri, Anna and Riley

Anna and Riley Schmeidler. These two were in the same kindergarten class and have been constantly grouped together because of their last names.

Anna and Jumping Taylor. I'm not sure why Anna calls her that, but these two are pretty good friends. 

Halloween 2012

Oh, man. I just love Halloween. It is the culmination of crisp breezes, apple cider, falling leaves and all that is October Fall. 

Since Anna's school doesn't recognize Halloween, I sent her to school with a festive hair do.

I spent most of the day preparing for our annual spooky Halloween dinner.

The kids are always so thrilled with this part of the day. 

After dinner Jeff took the kids trick-or-treating around the neighborhood while I stayed home and passed out candy.

It was an absolutely gorgeous, mild night and it was so fun to sit on the front porch and watch all the cute families walk by. 

Anna had been planning her costume for several months.

 And since she chose Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series, it only seemed appropriate for the rest of us to follow the theme.

Harry Potter

Draco Malfoy

Severus Snape and Professor Trelawney

And then there is this guy, who wanted nothing to do with our theme.

Ah, well. He makes a pretty adorable Batman so I'll forgive him.

Here's a few more from our ward Halloween party and backyard costume photo shoot.

  

 

Happy Halloween!

Our Star

Anna received the special Star Student Award at school. This award is given to the student who demonstrates the school character standards, kindness, responsibility, respect, honesty, and hard work. It is given to only one student per class each semester. 

Jeff and I place a high importance on academics. However, equally important is the way our kids conduct themselves. We hope our kids will always treat others kindly, respect their teachers, classmates and themselves, and live the values we try so desperately to instill in them. 

Jeff and I are so proud of Anna. She is not only smart, but all of the things that she was awarded for.

Anna picked out this outfit for Spirit Day. She did a great job!

Bobcat pride!

Pumpkin Patching with Friends

It was a great and dusty time at Apple Jack Pumpkin Patch with our good friends, the Christensen's.  

Anna was mad that I made her stop playing to pose in front of the corn field.