first anniversary

We moved here one year ago today! I've been thinking back on that experience a lot this weekend. My mother-in-law (Patti) accompanied me on the LONG drive from Provo to Chandler (Rob had already driven down in a moving truck to start unpacking before we arrived). I drove the entire 13 hours as she tried to entertain kids, pass out snacks, and keep the binky in newborn Liv's mouth (I got the better end of that deal, I think). We had to make so many stops to let the kids go to the bathroom and so I could nurse Liv. The last couple of hours was the worst: Tosh or Liv cried the entire time from Flagstaff to Chandler and we tacked on about a half hour to our drive because I ignored my MIL's GPS and followed Rob's (bad) directions. We arrived on the 25th at about 11:30pm. The house was dirty, full of boxes and very dark since most of the light bulbs were burnt out... The next morning Patti and I got to work scrubbing and unpacking the kitchen (ox in the mire, people). We took time out to go to church before Rob drove his mom to the airport so she could fly home for work on Monday.

I remember HOW HOT I was getting ready for church that Sunday morning (I have since learned to shower in cool to luke-warm water only and to keep blow-drying to a minimum). We parked in the driveway instead of the garage for about a week (garage was packed with boxes) and I'll never forget Burke gearing up to go out the front door in the Arizona heat for the first time. He stood at the door and counted down slowly before opening it to run to the car, as if we were asking him to walk directly into a furnace or fire...

And now a year has passed, both quickly and slowly at the same time. Rob used to tell me that he thought that "moving away" would be a good thing for us. I used to think he was crazy, but I think I am starting to see what he meant. I think we have both learned to appreciate family, friends, and each other more than we used to. I'd like to think that we are closer than ever as a couple, and that my kids are each other's best friends. I still get that "homesick" feeling from time to time, but am so grateful for friends, old and new. Another blessing is that six of our eight (combined) siblings have already visited us this year (some twice), and several other friends and loved ones. What a huge blessing (to me especially because I'm friend/family-needy like that). On top of that, we really love our house and are slowly replacing/changing/improving things to make it our own. And good news: My mom gets to sneak away from her mission for a short, first visit to our house this weekend!

So enough on that, here are a few things about the week. Liv is getting into accessories! She is starting to keep clips in her hair (a clip stayed in her hair for all three hours of church today--a record!), and continues her growing love of shoes. We took it up a notch this week and I gave her a little bag that I got from one of the girls at church. She is certainly growing up.


Burke was sitting by me while I was watching her and taking the previous photos and said, "Mom, Liv's really growing up, isn't she?" Isn't that right (sigh). Liv was so loud in Sacrament meeting today. Apparently we can't bring crayons anymore because she yells until she can steal them away from her brothers and then tries to put them in her mouth. She is really starting to think she is Queen Bee around here...

Tosh is willing now to pray by himself and said a really cute prayer this morning. He asks questions a lot (like his brothers), and asked the following, "Is Burkie's tooth still missing? (yes) Well, where could it be? Does the tooth fairy still have it? How will he eat?"

Hewitt, Burke, Rob and I went to "Meet the Teacher" on Friday evening. I got choked up when we walked into the kindergarten building with Hewitt and had to laugh at myself. School starts tomorrow, and I have to say that I am so excited for the boys! My being "excited" honestly has nothing to do with the kids being gone away from me during the day as one might guess (I will miss them although it's been a while since I've only had two kids at home during the day). It's more that this is really the first year that I feel confident the kids are in the right place (school/teachers), and I feel so excited for the new opportunities and growth to come.

Hewitt made us a card this week. He's sure a sweetie (most of the time...):

An original joke by Burke: What kind of vehicle is always gasping? A hiccup truck!

We tried to get in lots of swimming this week before life gets a little busier again. Apparently I don't get tired of pictures of the kids in goggles:

Burke doing a handstand in the water:

Going "boating" with the boys:

It was all smooth sailing until we encountered some turbulence: