Settling In

Though our house is in a neighborhood, and the schools, store, library, and church are all within walking distance, this is also right around the corner, making for some pretty beautiful bike rides/runs!

As we get used to our new surroundings, it has been easy to find a lot to be thankful for! The girls have LIVED on the swingset, and it has been serious joy MOVING INTO a beautifully grown garden! Tons of sweet grapes, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, rhubarb, and even pumpkins!--along w/ raspberry bushes, peach and plum trees!! It's kind of like peeking into our own
Garden of Eden, and there have been a few days, when sad or overwhelmed, I've walked out there, and felt like God is saying, "Look at these gifts--you are not forgotten!"

 We've done a little bit of bouncing back and forth to the South, as we make the separation gradual.  We thoroughly enjoyed our tickets (bought back around Father's Day) to Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion live at Red Butte Gardens.  (AND WERE DOUBLY GLAD WHEN WE FOUND OUT IT IS HIS LAST SEASON!) The weather, though stifling hot all day, was perfection from the minute we arrived--just the right amount of cloud and cool and breeze--we enjoyed a picnic of bbq pork, watermelon, and cookies :).  We went w/ super-dear friends Don & Ann Anderton, and just the company was worth the price of admission! Such a fun piece of Americana, and cool to stand with crowds singing patriotic folk hymns during the intermission--just so unique and entertaining!--fabulous musicians & just a fun night!-I could barely believe we were seeing him live after listening to him on the radio since I was little!!

 We also went back one Saturday for Anne's fiddling concert (and last time w/ GREAT teacher Leisha), and were able to meet up there with Dad & Kathy who were in town that day! The 3 oldest visited with old friends while we ran some errands around town, which they've loved being able to do here and there.

We've also enjoyed things here though:  Getting the kitchen situated (which turned out to be a fabulous joy since there is SO MUCH more storage space than we were used to--HEAVEN to be able to organize more easily!!)

 And we enjoyed Family night at the Rodeo during the week of county fair (we are 2 miles from the fairgrounds)--fun time and way to dive into a little of the local culture--a few of our neighbors' kids were mutton busting!

We found a violin teacher for Anne, got Spencer and Emily onto a soccer team together (a neighbor who is coaching invited us)

We have continued to be amazed by the kindness of everyone here--from the little shop that sold soccer shorts, to the workers who have come to fix the dryer, or get the plumbing ready in the basement, EVERYONE is so kind and friendly--as though we're all distant cousins or old school pals--it is amazing--I really had no idea places like this still existed! The teenagers in the neighborhood have come to take our older kids to make s'mores, to do hair, to visit the fair, to walk to firesides--it means the world to have people make such an effort to reach out!

Old friends have stayed connected too, which is such a balm for loneliness! Playgroup friends all came up one Thursday for sweet visiting time and quick lunch; Whitman's stopped by on a Saturday afternoon; Ann Anderton came on her way to Logan for a little visit, and old friend (from GA years!) Kellie Nuss joined us for Sunday dinner while she was in town from Maryland! We've also enjoyed being closer to family, and had a fun dessert time w/ Scott, JoAnn, Matt, Jake & Tressa one Sunday, as well as a visit to Kurt's house one Saturday.

Kellie, Charlotte, Lucy

It has been a bit tricky as we (STILL) wait to finish off the details of the basement bathroom, last bedroom, and carpet! (all the local builders are busy finishing houses before winter sets in), but we managed to get everyone registered for school in time (Brent was laughing between poses, determined not to smile for anything school related!), even straightening out high school schedules, and having the 3 youngest girls in one (not very large) room hasn't robbed them of ALL their sleep.  Some moments are sweet to have them so close, as has been enjoying more time together with everyone upstairs.  (not so sweet that we're wishing not to have this work done, but glad the waiting's not all bad ;) ). 

First day of school!

Lucy's first day of school (a week later)

Anne & Lucy holding hands in sleep