The big MOVE

The first half of September, we were getting ready to move into our new house.  Packing and more packing for me.  Brandon was doing lots of organizing in the garage and also lots of sanding for a project he's working on for the house.  Unfortunately, I didn't think to cover all of our belongings that were being stored in the garage so everything in there was covered with a layer of saw dust.  I shouldn't complain because it's a great hobby for him to have.  But it was a bummer!

During the first week of September, my mom decided to come down last minute and help me get some packing done.  The kids were so happy and surprised to see her!  I didn't tell Rachel she was coming, and when we picked her up from school, Andrew & Nana were hiding in the backseat.  Andrew's reaction was pure happiness - so sweet.

Then we were lucky enough to get Nancy for the weekend of the actual move - she was a huge help all during that crazy weekend.  She took great care of the kids and spoiled us.  The kids were sad to see her go, like always, but they had a lot of exploring and playing to do in their new domain.

We closed on September 10, and moved in on September 14.  The closing went as smooth as it could have gone.  We weren't able to get the rate we wanted (since rates have gone up a full percentage since we decided to build in May), but we are still under 5% and feel good about how everything went.

The move was just as miserable as they always are.  Moving is the worst, but we survived.

Everything in the house turned out great!  The cabinets, tile floor, cabinets and carpet all look nice.  I was panicking that the carpet was going to be too dark of a brown, but I think it will work out great.  There are a few things that we wished we wouldn't have been so frugal about, but we were over budget as is and had to stop somewhere.  We had to use a lot of self control in the building process, and did not go crazy on the upgrades.  We feel very blessed to be in a brand new house and we are hopeful that the neighborhood will be a good place for our kids (and us) to be.

Big milestones ... Kendall took her first steps Labor Day weekend (Sept 2-3, she was just barely 10 months old).  Perfect timing to get in a house with a large staircase, so we got a stair gate which has been a big help keeping her safe while I unpack and try to get things done.

Kendall also had yet another haircut - this is at least three by now, little Miss Grandpa hair.  And this time, she got her first sucker so that she'd hold still.  First sucker at 11 months - mom of the year, for sure!

Another milestone - not really, but I knew this would happen to me eventually - Kendall pooped out her diaper in her crib, and then played for in for 15 minutes while I assumed that she was maybe going back to sleep or just content playing quietly.  Well, she was content - playing in her own poo, that is.  After I finally got to her, it was everywhere!  She had been smearing it and I fear to guess whatever else she was doing with it.  My stomach just queazy, so I'll stop there.

Pure craziness!!  

Grandma Nancy

Move in weekend - first Sunday in the Lehi Crossing ward 

Andrew was hot and it was sunny, so he needed his blankie of course!

Kendall, 10.5 months

Kendall, first sucker and yet another haircut

Yeah, it's not chocolate... so gross