The New House

 The last few weeks of school my sister in laws, Jared's Grandma and Mom and some CA friends that have moved to UT were so generous to watch my kiddos so I could concentrate on painting the new house.  We hired Jared's younger brother and cousin to help me for 10 days to rip out old carpet, paint and clean the house to get it ready to move in over Memorial day.  They worked really hard and it was a much appreciated effort!  After the painting and carpet were taken care of, Jonas and Emma came with me to help vacuum and put on electrical outlet face-plates. 

Emma helping to clean up the new house

Jonas screwing on face plates to newly painted room

We moved over Memorial Day weekend and, again, all of Jared's family pitched in to help us.  Our church group near the new house helped unload a bit on this end of it.  Overall, we were able to finish in half a day and still have time to go to IKEA and take advantage of their holiday meal deal while picking up some furniture for the new house.  That same week we celebrated Jared's birthday by going out to dinner while his parents watched the kiddos and having ice cream with everyone afterward.

The Moving truck and moving crew

Moving Day!

Jared's Birthday

 Our house had a bonus out on the pergola outside the back door.  Four newly hatched baby birds were being fed constantly by their attentive mother.  We had a front row seat where could watch them quietly from the comfort of the family room and kitchen and we were all amazed at how loud they were and how frequently they had to eat.  But, it paid off, in a matter of a couple weeks they grew like crazy and were ready to leave the nest.  The poor mama bird looked like she was shrinking in size and never rested!  Jared also signed our name in the backyard with the newly acquired used lawnmower.  He said he needed to put our stamp on the house in some fashion and since we have neighbors behind us (high up with a great view of our backyard) he figured they would know we moved in if we gave them a "sign."

Baby birds on our pergola

Jared "signing" our back lawn

The new house is around the corner from the elementary school which means it is a neighborhood with a lot of children, it is Utah so there are a lot of mormons, and  we live near a cool park which the kids call the "American Ninja Warrior" park because they pretend they are completing a challenge if they can climb from one end to the other without touching the ground then they touch the pretend "buzzer" at the end of the course.

Emma climbing at the park

Jonas and Jared at the nearby park

 We live only a mile from my Dad's brother and his family (mostly empty nesters now) and the kids have been able to "dog sit" for them  (meaning I just borrow their dog to keep the kids off my back about buying a dog)  a couple times, which they are thrilled about.  It is a 12 year old dog named "Vinsky" (nickname for the composer Stravinsky) and he is mellow and good with kids so it is an all-around win!

The kids taking care of my aunt's dog

 We are really excited to finally be settling in at home and church.  I got a new calling as the Relief Society Secretary so that should be a good way to dive head first and get to know everyone!  We are still getting to know neighbors but overall everyone has been very welcoming.  I also really enjoy the new carpet, more space and being able to decorate the kids rooms how I want to!  I probably spent a bit too much doing this, but I love their rooms and it seems like they enjoy them too.  Jocelyn and Lillian are sharing a room with an attached walk in closet and bathroom.  Jonas and Emma are sharing another bedroom with a walk in closet and that leaves us a guest room and master bedroom.  The laundry room is also upstairs which I am getting used to...Overall, we love it and we are grateful to be here!