Return to Arizona

We safely arrived back home in Snowflake. We enjoyed cool rain storms through northern Texas and into Arizona. Most of the 18 hours of driving were actually quite enjoyable, long but fun too. Emma did so well. We had a basket of toys on one seat next to her and books on the other. She really did entertain herself pretty well. We split the drive into two shorter days which helped a lot. The hotel stay on the way out was miserable. We tried putting her down in a crib first, and then the bed, then in my arms, then the crib and finally in the bed again. However, last night was wonderful. She laid right down in the bed and went to sleep!! We all slept in as we were in no hurry to get on the road. Emma woke up at 7 and even went back to bed with me till 8am.

It was so nice to visit all the family. It is a blessing that they are all grouped so close together right now. That will probably change quickly in the next year. We were able to see James and Jamie's beautiful little girl, Summer. Emma took right to her and even held her. Her favorite was to keep pinching Summer's nose and saying "poopy." We went swimming, go-carting, out to favorite restaraunts not found in little ole Snowflake, shopping, to the park and Carusel, and of course Harry Potter (Emma did not go to that). We also got to be present for my brother's exciting news that his wife is finally pregnant after so many years of trying. Congrats you two!

The hardest part is of course saying good-bye. I hate that part. I'm not a huge hugger but like to give and get them, just seem to forget to do it, but I hate good-byes. I do them quickly and jokingly to alleviate the crack and pain in my heart and the tears that always flow either in the plane or the car as we drive away. Distance is made so much easier travelled than it was 100 years ago but yet still seems so hard. I love our little life in our little town in our little house but I ache for my family. I look forward to many more trips...and dread many more good-byes. Pictures to follow in the next few days.

Congratulations Cale!

So Cale has continued playing on our old ward's softball team since he started there and they went all the way to the tournament undefeated. Well, the tournament finals are this weekend and we will miss them and the sem-final game this Thursday. Cale is really bummed about this as he has really enjoyed the guys he plays with and the sport. Tonight was the final game for him and they were playing the "best" team in the league. Our church actually combines our stake with the Taylor stake (right next to us) and also allows other churches not of our faith to play too. The game tonight was against one of the other best teams out there, one of these other churches. They gave us a run for our money (ok, the games are free, but you get it...). At one point we were down 17 runs. They call the games at 20 runs ahead. We have always been on the other side, never down. Well in the last couple innings, the guys rallied and came back to be ahead 18-17 and then the other team had bats and scored 4 runs. We luckily had last bats and needed 4 runs to win. The first two outs came way too quickly which left Cale batting with 2 out and still 2 runs down. He'd had a good night all night but this hit was the most important. Emma and I were praying, "Just don't get out, Just don't get out." We knew Cale would be devestated to lose the game and not get to play again. The first pitch came and Cale took it. It was a high ball deep to left field. Emma and I began chanting, "Please be over his head, please be over his head..." It was! Cale batted in all 3 runners and cleared 3rd base as they called the game! Way to go Cale! We are so proud of you. The stands went crazy. Everyone was screaming and cheering for Cale! Emma started cheering "Daddy, Daddy." We love you Cale and just wanted to share your fun night! If you can't compete in the tournament this weekend at least you went out with a bang!!

New Number

So with all the changes we have been making, here is another one for you all. We are dropping our cell phone and going back to a home phone. Here is the number: 928.536.5298

Bugs!

I have enjoyed many of the changes having moved to Arizona; however, I have not enjoyed the huge bugs during the summer months! Grasshoppers everywhere, beetles, cockroaches, and strange spiders that have luckily been few in number but creepy and gross none-the-less. Tonight however, was the grossest of all, maybe because I found it crawling on the floor of my daughter's room and maybe my protective mother bear instincts kicked in but after turning Emma's room upside down looking for anymore we determined it safe to put her to bed. I then began my crazy internet search for this disgusting inch + long bug. It looks like a giant ant and I mean giant. I have finally determined it to be a Jerusalem Cricket, harmless but can leave a painful bite. It also makes a slow drum like sound that sounds like water dripping, which Cale now tells me he heard earlier today in the bathroom! Please let it be the same bug and just made a journey to Emma's room rather than having one in there too! If you click on the title "Bugs!" at the top of this post it will take you to the creepy picture.

Danae pleae still come visit us! We are spraying for bugs ASAP!!

Updates!

Well, we officially moved into our new home. We have been very busy with lots of little things and a couple big things like painting and the giant leak in the ceiling! Apparently our inspectors missed the broken condensation pipe in the attic. Thus, for the week we ran our air conditioning the condensation water was just piling on our ceiling until it finally started leaking and almost crashed in. It is now fixed and awaiting my paint job. I offered to paint to keep the bill lower for the inspectors and because I'm gonna paint over it anyway.

As for painting, we have been enjoying the freedom of getting to choose anything other than white walls! However, some colors have been harder to pick than others. Pictures to follow when we finish!

Our yard is our other big project. We are currently trying to just control the weeds, price fencing, plan a sprinkler system, level and fill the yard, sod and plant flower beds! Yes, it is a lot and will take years to complete. However, Cale did get his solar path lights in!

We miss everybody and are so greatful to all our friends and family that have helped us save costs on kid clothes (thanks Rayann) and other things to be able to save for our house! Come visit! The door is always open (actually they are always locked since Emma can open these style doorknobs but we'll unlock them for you!)!