Lessons from Grandma

Well we've been spending lots of time with Grandma lately since our closing was delayed.  So in our time here Ella learned a few animal sounds to show off to everyone.

Life so far

Well, Colorado hasn't really given us the welcome party I was hoping for.  We've hit quite a few snags in closing on our new house which means we are still living with Jarom's parents.  While we are so grateful to have them here and help I know we all wish we could have our own space and time alone.  The girls can't wait to finally get into their new house and yard.  We're hoping that we can finally close next week.  We had to cancel our move from WA, so now we just wait until they give us the go ahead.  I'm really tired of wearing the same clothes everyday especially knowing all of my stuff is just sitting in boxes in WA.  Ugh...
I'm trying to stay positive but it is so hard.  So on the weekends we've been trying to get out to keep our minds off everything.

Owen in a cute baby fedora...I couldn't resist

Ella saying hi to Mr. Fox at the Taste of Colorado

Chataqua Park in Boulder

I Ella Lucia

Ella is quite the funny girl.  She is very proud of her name, not just her first name, but her middle name.  Whenever we're joking around with her and say something like, "Are you being naughty?"  She'll say with a very serious voice, "No, I Ella Lucia!"  She'll announce it to anyone who asks what her name is.  It's never just Ella.  Well at least I know she'll always love her name :)

Riley's first day

Riley had been waiting for this day for a long time.  Yesterday we were packing her backpack, lunch, and snack for her 1st day of kindergarten and she just couldn't contain her excitement.  She picked out her outfit last night and before I could get her up this morning she was already dressed with her backpack in tow.  Unfortunately since we have to drive an hour to get to school we ended up being 10 minutes late because of traffic.  I felt so bad as we came into the classroom, all the kids were already sitting down listening to the teacher and in comes us.  OOPS.  Luckily Riley found a seat by someone quickly and we headed out towards the library where they had all the other kindergarten parents.  Coffee & Kleenex was what they called it, I didn't even use the kleenex because I was so worried about her being late.  But she made it through the day and had a great time.  She asked me when she can go back, I told her almost every day for the next 16 years :)

The dolphin is their mascot

Moving on

Goodbye house, you've been good to us!  We took four days to drive down to Colorado.  We stopped in Baker City, OR and snuck in all the animals into the tiny hotel room. That was an interesting night with two cats, a dog, a baby and two kids all in one room.  Luckily we made it through the night.  Then we stopped in Ogden, UT and stayed with Jarom's brother for two days.  We needed the break from being in the car and it was so fun to see all the little cousins together.  Owen was the center of attention of course.  He has lots of big boy cousins to look up to.  It was so good to see them again.  Then our last day of driving seemed like the longest.  Owen would eat then need to burp, so we ended up stopping at almost every rest area!  Traveling with a baby is not fun.  So now we're here, staying with Jarom's parents until we close on our house.  September 3rd we're moving in and hope our furniture gets there by the 6th.  We can't wait to start in our new neighborhood.

Last picture in the house

Owen and his big cousins

Just think, I get to have a crazy boy too

All the cousins, (L-R) Riley, Aaron. Sophie, Ammon, Ella, Jordan, Owen, Jalen, Mady, Avery

Look at the love

The girls

Owen Gregory with his Uncle Greg

Owen loves the attention

Good bye

Goodbye, is sort of an ironic word.  Is it good that you're saying bye? It wasn't for me.  The last week in WA was crazy, packing the entire house for our big move to CO.  My sweet amazing friends came over to help me, I couldn't have done it without them.  I dreaded the day I had to say goodbye to my closest friends, I think they dreaded it even more.  We went out to eat at Fondi's and back to Gail's house for my last girls night.  Gail was first, how could I say goodbye to someone who told me like it was, who gave me advice, who was there for me every step of the way.  It sucked.  The next day Christena and Rebecca came over to finish some last minute packing.  Allie, Ada, and Riley ran around playing for the last time and of course when the time came for Riley to say goodbye to Allie they were having one of their little spats.  Luckily it ended quickly and they gave each other a hug.  I teared up just watching that.  Then Rebecca had to leave, I pretended like I wasn't moving.  I held back my tears because I couldn't bear saying goodbye. We met when we were both pregnant with Allie and Riley and became the best of friends.  I could be myself and count on Rebecca like my family...she is my family.
Lastly Christena, I was just becoming really close to her and love her so much.  She has been an inspiring, positive person in my life.  Always willing to help, always with a smile.  
I'm crying just typing this.  There are so many more friends I love and treasure that I will miss, you all know who you are.  I couldn't have made it in WA without you all.  Our families were all so far away but I felt like I had family there.
Here's one of the few pictures I have.  Love you guys.

Now THIS is summer

We spent the day at one of Riley's friends house.  We pulled up to an adorable 2 bedroom home with views  most people only dream about.  I could imagine waking up every morning outside my window and seeing this.  Every window and door was open bringing in the fresh air.  The kids played out on the lawn and later we went out into the water trying not to step on the million sand dollars all over the beach.  We even saw a bald eagle just above us in the trees.  Washington is absolutely incredible when the sun is out! I'll need to take it all in before we move...