I have to thank my boss for this great trip to Hawaii. For working at my work for 10 years he gives employees a time-share for a week. We planned the week we were going several months in advance so we were able to get an amazing deal on air-fare. I had personally never been to Hawaii, but I must say it was really like paradise. The weather and the water were warm both day and night. We all loved it. We visited the polynisian center and the temple (Lane even got to be part of the Somoan show dancing and slapping his body (our video christmas card will be great!). We also visitied Pearl Harbor which was very interesting and made us again grateful for our country. The kids adopted a sea turtle in a bay by our hotel that they named Peggy. There was a lot of snorkling and just good family time. The only drawback was that we had to go on the trip the day after our house closed so we could not move in to the house prior to our trip (or order and/or put up blinds, etc) and also that the next to last day of the trip Lane burst his ear drum snorkling. But we are sooo grateful for the experience and we are also grateful to begin the move in process and get settled. It has been quite an eventful and hectic two months for our family. I can say with assurity that I do not ever want to move again. Hawaii though...I wouldn't mind again.

Not Homeless

We are pleased to announce we have finally moved into the house we have been waiting for and are starting to unpack and not live out of boxes. It has been a struggle and we are glad to finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Our neighbors are seeing much more that that...as we have no blinds yet...so are living in a fish-bowl. I am sure they are hoping for blinds as much as we are. We wanted to thank all those that helped us move. I have thank-you cards written but of course not delivered. I hope I can find the halloween costumes by friday?!! I hope my kids can find their homework and now be a little more settled with school, etc. We are not quite used to not being in the ward and I know Aubrey, in particular, is struggling with 32nd ward sadness. We hope boundaries will change eventually so we can be "back in". I will try to post pictures at some point...however my computer remains forever down. We do now have the internet and television, which we haven't had for aproximately 2 months, but seems like forever. Can't wait to catch up on everyones' blogs.

We're Home-less

That's right we have sold our house and have not secured another house. I am a little bit freaking out...but we are trying to have faith that one of the homes we have an offer on will come through at some point soon. In the mean time, we have to be out in 10 days...which is no small feat after being hunkered down in here for 16 years. I have felt a little bit overwhelmed as we have been packing. Our basement looks like something exploded. Hopefully all will work out...but if you see this blog say a little prayer.

First Day of School

With the exception of Matthew, we plaided it up for the first day of school. I should have got a full body shot of Matthew, because his shoes were the most important...brown and turqouis sneakers...I think Tony Hawk. They were all ready for a change and looking forward to going back to school. No one was more excited than Brynna, except maybe Aubrey...I heard Aubrey up all night.

So it all begins. Matthew has soccer today, Emily Soccer tomorrow, games on saturday, music lessons, and of course Ballet for Brynna (she finally is sleeping in her own bed, the pre-requisite for ballet). So this year we have a ninth grader, 6th grader, 5th grader and 1st grader. It's going to be a fun ride.

Plump Pumpkin Plant for Sale with purchase of Beautiful American Fork Home

Last Fall Matthew carved a Halloween pumpkin that was "throwing up" pumpkin seeds on our front porch. Unbeknown to us one or more of those seeds must have taken root. We now have a beautiful pumpkin plant free to whoever may buy our house. If our house does not sale we will have pumpkins for ourselves just in time for halloween this year right in our front yard! Bonus right! Also on a random note I love the fountain we recently placed out front by our flowers. I love the sound of the water and have been keeping our front window open just to hear it (70% off at Roberts). Just hope no one hears me telling my kids (perhaps a bit loudly) to do their chores. Any ideas on how to keep the house clean for people to look at with four slightly messy kids home in the summer?