VAIL!

Over Labor Day weekend we went with the Wyeth's to Vail, Colorado. Even flying it was a big day to and from there. Several times Bryan and I said to each other, "Wouldn't it be nice to just drive three hours and be home?" That will be the case all too soon. The kids LOVED the airplane and enjoyed watching the planes take off and land... even if it was so bright they had to use our sunglasses. :)

First Day of (Pre)schoo!!!

Addilyn started preschool a few weeks after Carter started school and it could NOT have come soon enough! The poor girl was so heartbroken and bored without her big brother around. (She is not a big fan of the gym any more now that she goes without him. Apparently Pres isn't great company...?)
Anyways, she loves preschool and I can already see such an amazing growth! One of the things I am going to miss the VERY most when we move is Miss Jodi. (I So tried to get her to move with us... she didn't bite.)

First Day of Kindergarten

Carter started Kindergarten (5 weeks ago... we've already established that I'm far far behind...). He was SO excited. He has to wear a uniform (which is really nice in the mornings) and is there from 8-3. I had a MUCH harder time with him going to school than he did. When I told him (while holding back tears) that I was leaving he just kept playing at his table, didn't even look up, and said, "Ok, Mom. See you after school." WHAT?!? You don't even CARE? RUDE! So, I stood outside of his classroom and watched him for a few minutes while other parents dropped off kids and, sure enough, my little man didn't even need me. Boohoo! But I'm glad he likes it. It kills me he'll be doing this again in a few months though. Starting over. New place. No friends. Kids adjust quickly though... right?

Carter and Miss Urban. She's darling and he just adores her.

"Alright, Mom, enough with the pictures. Pull yourself together and get out of here. You're embarrassing me!" (While he didn't say that I am sure he was thinking it.)

My Baby's ONE!

Ok, she's really 13 months (and 10 days) but since I'm so very behind on my blogging, we are going to pretend that this was published August 1st which is her actual birthday. Her birthday was really fun. We celebrated with both sides of the family which is great since next year we'll probably celebrate it with just our little family. (but it won't be 120 outside...)
Before I begin this little story, allow me to flash back to Addilyn's first birthday. I was taking pictures as the lone candle was lit... Along everyone sang and all of a sudden Addi goes for the candle. She wanted to touch it. Naturally. So, me being the neurotic mother that I am scream to Bryan, "Don't let her touch the candle! She's going to burn herself!!!!" Bryan looked at me like I was the world's biggest idiot and grabs her hand. "I wouldn't let her do that. I'm right here." (Imagine me saying that in a low dorky voice.) Fast forward a mere 26 months to Preslee's first birthday. Same. thing. happens. EXCEPT.... this time I don't scream like a neurotic maniac. Why? Because she's my third (she'll live from a little burn) and because I want to see if Bryan really WILL catch her hand. I'll let you all guess the outcome.
While I was grabbing a pressent she tried to do a nose-dive off the couch. Good catch, Nona!!Trying on her new glasses for everyone. They quickly became a fixture on her big sister's face. (shocking)

I gotta say, when Bryan's mom told him that she was going to get Preslee a dolly he kinda tried to discourage her. Addi never went through the whole "dolly" stage. (Although she's hit just about every other craze imaginable.) Preslee LOVES this doll. LOVES it. LOVES! Seriously, she sleeps with it EVERY night/nap. She hugs it. Gives it kisses. You name it. Good call, Grammie!!
Daddy trying to convince her that the cake, will NOT in fact hurt her every time she touches it. (should have grabbed her hand.... just sayin'.)

Our attempt at a family picture. Don't mind the mop. :) (it's post church/nap hair.)

Recovering from the candle burn. Carter and Addilyn were more than happy to help her out with the cake.

This is how Pres roles. She is a "two hand" eater. Go big or go home, right? :)

Happy Birthday baby girl!Carson wanted in on the action. He was almost 2 years old so he just wanted some good practice for his birthday. Preslee wasn't real sure how she felt about it but the rest of us thought it was hilarious and, clearly Pres wasn't going to eat the whole thing. Love that little guy!

Thanks, Hill-dawg for being the photographer. I love getting into a pic every now and then!

A Trip to the Dentist

Right before Carter started school we all went to the dentist. The kids did great. They both have NO cavities! (Don't know where that got that since Bryan and I both have bad teeth.) I have two that "we need to watch" which means that they probably should have been filled but Bryan didn't want to hear my whining (ME?!?) so he chose to leave them alone. So help me, if they turn into root canals his name is mud! Daddy let them play with all the tools and squirted them with the water (which I think he would have done even if he wasn't the dentist). It was so fun to visit Daddy at work!! Next time I'm sure we'll have Preslee with us.

Addilyn opening the polishing stuff.

Carter giving Addi an exam.

Future dentist? :) Aren't those glasses all the rage?

Good to Know

Good to know that people actually still read my blog. I can't believe I have gotten a single comment on my Colorado Post. Maybe I just need to post more life changing events on here... I'm happy to say we don't have any more life changing events (that I'm aware of)...
And, Ashley, OF COURSE I've thought of the scenery! :) And thr prices just jacked a few weeks ago.
Thanks for actually commenting, my sweet friends! Good to know I'll be missed at least a little.

Change

I'm sure all of my faithful readers (which is only my dear, sweet Grandmother) have noticed I've been a little MIA for a while. We have had a LOT going on. On top of my time intensive calling with the young women (which I LOVE LOVE LOVE), being the busy mommy of three, starting school/preschool, trying to get my tooshie in shape, and taking a photography class, Bryan and I have been doing a LOT (L.O.T.!!) of praying. We have had several opportunities to buy into different practices here in Phoenix. None have felt right. Bummer... Then, about a year ago some close friends told us about an opportunity in Colorado. I have nothing against Colorado... never thought I'd live there, but I hear it's a nice place. As the year went on we took the idea more seriously leading to a few trips up there to meet with owners/potential partners, etc. I FELL IN LOVE with Colorado Springs. It reminds me of Poway. (just in the feel of the place... not the weather. :)) About 2 weeks ago, Bryan got a call from a guy who was looking to sell his practice. We prayed about it, went to the temple, prayed some more, flew up, prayed some more, looked into it, prayed some more, and then finally agreed to it. After we wrote a big, fat check we got in the car and I immediately burst into tears.... and didn't pull it together for at least 30 minutes. Since Wednesday when this happened I have cried more than I thought possible. I cried when I told my presidency. I cried while listening to Bryan tell his Mom (that was a hard one!!), I cried when I told the Bishopric member over the Young Women, I cried when I told the Young Women, I cried while telling friends, I cried while discussing it with friends that knew it was coming... BUT, I am SO excited! I am excited for what opportunities lie ahead. I'm excited to have Bryan home a million times more than he currently is. I'm excited to try another place. I'm excited to drive around and stare at the Rockies!! I'm excited to grow closer to my little family. I'm excited to decorate another home. I am going to miss Arizona SO SO much! I have made the best friends EVER while I've lived here. I have grown so much as a person. Bryan and I have started our lives here together as well as had three children. There are far too many memories to list in a single blog and I'm sure the tears will not stop coming for probably another 2 years until we are beyond settled in Colorado. I just wish I could transplant all the people I love here up there... to enjoy the amazing summers and suffer with through the snowy winters. But I can't... trust me... I've more than begged some of them to come with me. So, beginning November 1st, Bryan will be up there working away while I tie up loose ends here. I hope to be up there with the kids by Thanksgiving. Change is a good thing... right?

Isn't it beautiful?

Not real sure how I'm going to handle this... this will be the first winter EVER where Bryan or I will have a white Christmas... wish us luck!