Moving

I haven't taken very many pictures this week.  On Tuesday Stephen had to take a test so the rest of us tag along for the drive and then played at a mall in the city he took his test in.  I let the boys play in a little playland the entire time.  They were in heaven!  Stephen did take them into a reptile pet store before he left to take his test.  I refused to go in.  I HATE snakes.  They make my skin crawl.  Anyway, I guess the boys loved that store too.  Vance was afraid of some spiders they had, but not of the snakes, lizards, or other weird things there.

We made a big decision this week.  I say that, but really it's been a long time coming.  We just made a definite plan as to when and how.  We are moving to a new state.  When Stephen decided to go into the IT field last year we both new that the chance of moving was likely.  There really aren't any entry level IT jobs around where we live.  As time has passed that realization has become more apparent.  Stephen could get a job anywhere doing anything and we could continue to live here, but he really would like to gain some experience in his field so that when he graduates he has that experience and also contacts to take with him as he takes on his career.One reason we decided we should move now is to try and avoid moving Vance in the middle of the school year.

I am really sad to move away from where we live now.  I love the size of city we live in.  It is big enough that we have everything we need right here, but small enough that I feel comfortable driving around and I feel safe.  I love the mild winters we have here.  I love living an hour away from my parents.  In fact, that will be the saddest thing for me as we move.  I have enjoyed being able to see them on a regular basis.  I love being in an area where there are lots of members of the church, but not everyone is a member.  We live near a temple and an LDS bookstore.  We live in a great ward.  We have enjoyed our duplex (for the most part).

On the plus side, although we are moving away from my parents we are going to be moving closer to Stephen's parents, two of his sisters, and my older sister.  When my youngest brother gets off his mission he will return to school and we will be closer to him too.  In fact, we will be closer to where my little sister goes to college.  So that is all good news.

We are going to have to sell our contract with our duplex and try and find somewhere to live and Stephen a job all while he continues to go to school so it's going to be a busy month for us.  We feel this is the best decision for our family even though it seems the hardest (that's the way it is, isn't it?). 

Well, let the packing begin...

Summer Fun

We are trying to have a fun summer.  The boys would live outside if I let them.  Personally, I would rather stay inside when it is hot, but it's not really an option with my kiddos.  Thankfully, it hasn't been too hot yet.  Although, I believe that is soon to change...

The boys all showing off their Cars shirts.  I made Vance and Tanner hold Porter's hand so he wouldn't run away before I snapped the picture.

My sweet baby is no longer a baby anymore.

We had a water balloon fight this afternoon.  Porter laughed and laughed watching the big boys, but he still wants nothing to do with getting wet.  The older boys had fun tossing the water balloons at each other though.

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!  I've been so blessed with many wonderful father figures in my life.  Of course, my own dad whom I love dearly.  He is also a wonderful grandpa.  We spent the day with him and my mother and sister.  It was a lovely day.

My dad told Tanner the story of the Gingerbread Man.  Tanner did not like the ending...

 I've also been blessed to be married to a wonderful husband and father.  Thank you Stephen for all that you do!  My children love their dad and I admit, I am quite fond of him myself.  :)

I also have a wonderful father-in-law, two wonderful grandfathers, and most especially a loving Heavenly Father.  I feel truly blessed in my life.

We had a lovely weekend.  I got to see some old friends and spend time with my parents, little sister, husband, and children.  Life is sweet.  Even with a little sunburn on my face...

Dancing in the Car

I pulled out my camera to videotape Tanner and Porter dancing in the car yesterday.  Porter doesn't do much dancing in the video (isn't that how it goes), but Tanner's facial expressions make it worth watching just the same.  Porter was so tired.  You can tell he is a zombie baby...

Vance is so far in the back it's hard to see if he is ever dancing or not, but generally he doesn't.  Sometimes we can hear him singing along to music when he doesn't think we are listening.

Stephen's Birthday

Today Stephen turned 30.  We never really do much for Stephen and I's birthday, but since it was a big one I thought we should make a big deal out of it. 

Stephen and the older boys went and got donuts for breakfast.  Porter and I opted to stay home and have our green smoothies.  Then we went miniature golfing.  It was a lot of fun.  We went soon after it had opened so we were alone the entire time, but when we were getting ready to leave there were about half a dozen groups of people starting so I'm really glad we went when we did.

Every time it was Tanner's turn we would try to show him how to hold the club, but he went right back to this position each time.  For those thinking of trying it, it's not a very effective method.

Vance taking a turn.

Tanner and Vance loved holding the flags at each whole.

I had to get a picture of the Birthday boy taking a turn too.

I made Stephen this Oreo Cake.  It was fun, easy, and just up his alley.

Stephen was hamming up open a little gift from the boys (a Wii game).

My men!  Aren't I a lucky girl?

 Stephen is a wonderful person I am so grateful for him.  I am so glad we were able to spend his birthday together as a family.  Most birthdays he is working away.  I always love having family quality time together.

Life is good

We brought this tent into the house to let the boys play with.  You can see why we had it set up in the first play by going here.  Porter grabbed his bowl full of his snack, Stephen's gatorade, and plopped himself into the tent to watch a movie.  Simple pleasures.  He is so funny.

Precious Boy

Porter is 15 months old.  Every night before I lay him in his crib I sing a couple of songs to him as we sit in the rocking chair.  It is nice to be able to have that quiet one on one time together.  Tonight he was singing along with me, "Aaaaahhh."  He was hugging me and patting my back.  Moments like that make me want to bottle them up and keep them forever like that.  Every stage of growing up has it's own fun and unique things about it.  I wish I could remember all of the precious moments I have with each of my children forever.