Moving

While Joseph was at work and the kids were at school, Isaac and I hung out with the movers. Isaac wanted to see exactly what was going on. I finally had to leave with him because he wouldn't stay out of their way. He just wanted to make sure they were doing their job!

We made it! We're mostly moved in and adjusting to our new surroundings. The kids start school on Tuesday. We had our first day at church today and it looks to be a great ward. Joseph officially starts at his new facility tomorrow.

The house is great. It's bigger than I prefer, (I have to clean it!), but it was the right price in the right school boundary. We had many great options as far as neighborhoods and schools, but some were really expensive. We decided to go for the best school with the most affordable house. The backyard (or lack of) is the downside, but the view is incredible and there are parks closeby.

After church and Sunday dinner we took the kids to have a glimpse of the Ocean and the San Diego Temple. I can't believe we live here now.

The Farewell Tour ~ FACES of Woodland (some of them)

Our last week in Woodland, we were able to say good-bye to many of the faces we love. So many people were so kind to help out with caring for our kids and visiting us right up until we left. It was so nice to connect with everyone before we left. I knew saying good-bye to Great Day would be hard. The women there are angels. I am so grateful for our experience there.

I took Brynn and a couple of her school friends out for ice cream after school. We will miss them.

Nikki watched the boys one day and Abby protested that she didn't get to go, so Nikki agreed to take Abby and Aaron a second day. It was great for the kids to be able to have one last play date.

M&M came to say good-bye to us at the hotel the night before we pulled out. The girls loved sharing a cookie from the lobby and showing them our room. I loved visiting with Jen. She lived right up the street from us and has been a great friend to me since we moved to Woodland. I also served as her first counselor in the Relief Society Presidency. We will really miss their family.

The Farewell Tour~The Cookie Party

On the Sunday night before we moved we invited lots of friends over to share cookies with us before we left. It was crazy to have almost 70 people running through our house the night before we were to be packed up, but completely 100% worth it. The kids had a great time and I think it will be a memory they will always look back on with a smile. I had so much fun visiting with friends that I forgot to get the camera out until the evening was almost over. If you were there and we didn't get your picture, it's because we just didn't take very many. We were so glad you came!

The Farewell Tour ~ Saying Good-Bye to Ballet

You know what they say...you don't know what you've got, til it's gone....we feel that way about the whole experience with ballet. We didn't go to ballet just for the ballet. We went for the friendships and the park too. It was part of our Woodland experience that we will always cherish. We have so many memories because we spent so much time at Applegate Dance Studio and the Village Homes Neighborhood Park outside the studio. We were there as much as three times a week for atleast an hour or so each time. While the kids explored, I visited with friends like Heather, Bill, Deborah, Diane, Dena, Stephanie, Inez, Sierra, and many other amazing people that enriched my life every week.

We loved the friends we made and the opportunities we had through ballet. We know we'll have new ballet experiences where we live now, but we will always look back fondly on our experiences at Applegate Dance Studio in Davis.

The Farewell Tour~Saying Good-Bye to Work

Joseph's staff threw him a surprise party before his last day of work. He is greatly loved by his staff and they were sad to see him go. They always throw a great party with amazing home-made authentic yummy food. We had a great time celebrating!

The Vice-President of the company he works for happened to be visiting that day and said a few nice words about Joseph at the farewell party. It was very kind of him.

Joseph's regional boss, James, has been a great personal friend to Joseph and our entire family.

I received a wonderful letter and personal gift from one of Joseph's staff members telling me how much she esteemed him and thanking me for sharing Joseph with their staff. She related how she had gone through cancer and Joseph was there to support her and cheer her on during her recovery. It was a touching letter. I could tell by being there that day that he will be greatly missed by his nurses and staff. There were many tears shed. It made me glad that I'm married to him and that I get to go with him on this next adventure. :) Some of them have asked to come with him if there are openings at his new facility. I am glad that my "job" allows me to transfer with him. :) I could not handle saying good-bye.

Ice Cream with Friends

Amid the hustle and bustle of the move, we took the chance to go to Fenton's Creamery to get ice cream for our friend Monica's birthday. The kids loved the little hurrah with friends and so did we.

My cute {messy} boys....