saying goodbye

the hardest part about leaving Arizona was knowing we wouldn't see my family nearly as often. the day  before Dean and I left, my Mom had us over for dessert and to say goodbye. We have so much fun together and I miss everybody already. Dean misses Sadie, or at least trying to eat Sadie.

forgive me for the grainy/blurry pictures. it was nighttime and i am against using the flash.

leaving on a jet plane

for our plan to make moving across the country with a baby easier, Dean and I flew to Florida while Tom drove our stuff. we packed and packed the week before Dean and I left and then Tom packed everything into our moving truck (with the help of my male family members and his Dad). the flight is just over 4 hours and I was really nervous about flying with a baby (especially when that baby can cry as loud as he does). flying these days is not much fun, but I have to tell you, this time was different. since the flight wasn't full, Dean was able to have his own seat and I was able to bring his carseat onto the plane! we were also moved to the second row back from first class. thank you American Airlines! 

Dean did great on the flight! he didn't really cry at all, just fussed a little when he was tired. mostly he spent his time playing toys, enjoying his own seat on the plane and looking around at everyone. I took everyone's advice and nursed him during takeoff so he didn't have ear discomfort. fortunately for me, when he wanted to sleep he was lulled into it by the airplane's movements on my lap. I was worried I would be the crazy-lady-with-the-crying-baby in the aisle the whole flight. I even snapped a couple pictures of myself (I got bored okay?) and enjoyed half of the in-flight movie whilst Dean slept.

now we're here in Miami, trying to survive any tropical storms (Isaac!) or hurricanes headed our way. and Dean's other grandparents are enjoying soaking up the newfound time they have with him...

6 months

I can't believe it's already been 6 months since this little guy was born. Dean is the best thing that's ever happened to Tom and myself! I don't know how this little guy went from this...

to this...

...so quickly! He's grown so much and it really does go so fast. I can't believe he's already rolling over, sitting up, trying to eat solid foods, giggling, babbling and enjoying life. he's one kid who really knows what he likes (and doesn't) and he'll let you know too! He is such a blessing and I am so grateful to be his mama. Thanks for making me a mother, Dean! We love you and we can't wait for the joy and adventures (and challenges) that you will bring to our lives!

going back east

the jig is up; we're moving. to florida. for now.

...as if that's not confusing enough. 

let's start from the beginning. when Tom and I moved down here after graduation last August, we didn't know if or for how long we'd be staying. when Tom got a job here, we realized it would be a little longer. well, two jobs (for Tom) and one baby later, we're saying goodbye to my hometown. we never really planned on staying in Arizona for too long because, honestly, it never quite felt like home to either of us. my parents' house feels like home, and everything else is quite familiar, but we knew deep in our heart that it's not where we're meant to be right now.

so...when we moved into our apartment and signed a 7 month lease, we had it in our minds that we would either a). move to a new place nearby or b). move out of the state. that lease has been up for 2 months now...decision time.

no, Tom does not have a new job yet. after much prayerful consideration, we have decided that it is now or never. although we're really sad to leave my family, we know this is the right decision for us. it has been the best having my family so close, especially when Dean was born. my parents have been so supportive and let me and Dean come over seriously 4 or 5 times a week. I've also been able to become so much closer with Ashli, my sis-in-law. I especially am going to miss my family. a lot. I wish they would all follow us wherever we move because, seriously guys? it was 114 degrees today. get real.

our plan is to stay with Tom's parents as he searches for a new job. I want him to find a job that he enjoys. it would be ideal to already have one lined up, but we still feel this is the right decision for us.

for now, we don't know exactly where we'll end up, but we're prayerfully and somewhat carefully making our plans. wish us luck on our adventure!

*this picture is from our trip to Old Town San Diego and Dean is turned around not because we didn't want him in the picture, but because he fell asleep...sweet little pup!

Gilbert Temple

...my sister wanted to take pictures at the 

Gilbert Temple while it is still under construction...

so my Mom decided we should all go and take some together

...the plan is to take the same pictures when it is completed

(great idea sissy!)

I can't wait until it's done because

the Temple is a wonderful place to be, always

I just had to add this last one...oh Dooks, you sure do crack me up!

sundays

...a glimpse into our Sundays,

when we meet at my parents' house for dinner, card games and family time

Dallin naps, my Dad entertains his grandkids 

and we all eat my Mom's delicious cooking

...yesterdays was particularly great because Blaze and Ashley were in town, completing the group

this is my absolute favorite thing about living in Arizona...

being close to my family

I sure do love each one of them

p.s. last night I inexplicably did great at scum...you can call me "el presidente"

birthday extravaganza

for my Mom's birthday, we went bowling as a family. the evening began with a delicious grilled chicken dinner my Dad made for all of us and then we hit the lanes (we're really cool, I know). my Mom really enjoys bowling, but she's in the minority within my family because most of  us have the unfortunate combination of being both really bad at bowling and extremely competitive. 

i. hate. to. lose. 

but we had fun anyway, especially with my Mom there to liven things up a bit. after the bowling, we went back to my parents' house where we had birthday cake that my Dad made...he was quite the birthday chef. Dean and Sadie enjoyed one another's company and my Mom failed miserably at her new goal of being serious now that she's 50. hope you had a happy birthday, Mom...i would only lose  as i did for you.