Pre-Iowa: 4th of July

Pre-Iowa: GQ is 1... and cute.

These are my favorite pictures of GQ being one. Too bad he's wearing his leg warmers to prevent grass rash - he seems to have an allergy to it. I might just put the first one on the wall anyway - who needs fashion sense, right? And those blue eyes.... mmmmm....

Wouldn't want to go without eating a little scenery along the way.

Still no teeth, no walking, no talking... he's our baby. He does stand, although he likes to clap when he does it, so he often falls over before really standing... too busy congratulating himself. He knows how to go down the stairs, but doesn't know he HAS to go down the stairs that way. So, still not trustworthy there. He likes to do things he shouldn't, so you can say "no," he can stop, and then you can clap for him. Open the drawer, close the drawer, clap.... I's a good boy mamma, I is!!! (Think "My Fair Lady" on that one.) He can be a little violent in a sort of - give me that toy before I wack you - sort of way. And he loves cuddles, hugs, and seeing his sisters. He does point to people to say he loves them, like Justin does. And he does get very excited when he sees dogs... and calls them "DaDa." Anything interesting is "DaDa." When he wants something he says "MaMa." Uh, huh. We sure love that boy!!!!

Pre-Iowa: A Visit to Temple Square with the Roommates

In June we headed downtown to Temple Square with my old college roommates. Other than GQ trying to eat rocks whenever we put him down, we had a great time.

Of course, in the best picture of our family - the one where all the kids are looking at the camera and smiling - I am talking with my lips pressed outward like a duck. Talent, I tell you.

Don't they look happy to be at the Temple? I wanted a picture to blow-up and put in their room since we won't be living as close as usual to the Temple. I think this turned out great.

My favorite of GQ.

All three kiddoes.... and they look fairly happy. Except when you look really close at M, she looks a little worried. We'll miss Temple Square. We love it there.

Pre-Iowa: Annie Has a Birthday!

Before our big move, cousin Annie had her 5th birthday party. We all had fun at the pool.

Annie had some great cakes at her party. Mmmmmmmmm.

My girls are following in their mother's footsteps. They prefer the splash-pad to the pool.

So much fun!

Grand Plans

I had grand plans of downloading pictures tonight and catching you all up on our lives - whether you wanted me to or not.

But luckily for you it is now 9:22, and after clearing up my e-mail I don't particularly feel like it.

I did get real internet yesterday, and a new phone number. E-mail me if you want to know anything about that. I suppose I could be organized and send out a mass e-mail, but then I'd be assuming you wanted to know how to find me... and that's a little self-centered, isn't it?

Do you like how I just made my laziness seem like an effort to avoid being self-centered? Boy, am I talented.

We are all doing well. The girls don't seem fazed by the move at all, and I think GQ is just super-glad to have escaped his carseat. Justin started school on Monday and I had a nice visit with my mother this past week. E will be sad Grandma is not around to give her treats, turn on movies, and buy her new shoes, now that she is gone. Also, who will read her Fuzzy Bunny for the nteenth time?

Almost all of our boxes are gone. Thank goodness!!! I will never move again. And if I do, I am taking nothing with me but the clothes on my back. Seriously.

M has had several memorable moments that you've all missed out on. One of the most memorable was when I was trying to make her smile one day.

Me: Don't smile, don't smile, don't smile (please play this in your head with a sticky-sweet tone).

M finally smiled.

Me: See you smiled? (sticky-sweet, yet again.)

M (with a grumpy face): I not smile at you. I laugh at you.

Here's an E moment for you too:

Me: Kittens are actually really fun. They're cute and cuddly and fun to hold. But they do poop.

E (with exasperation): Can't we do something about that?

And a GQ:

GQ had stolen M's water while she went to get something. He happily guzzled it down. When she came around the corner, he sat up quickly. (A little frightened of his squealing sister, I think). Then he pushed the cup out quickly. If he talked yet, he would be saying.

"Here, it's yours. Take it. Take it. I was only holding it for you. Honest."

Over and out. Maybe pictures tomorrow?

Specs

No real internet for two weeks.

My phone will be fixed by the end of the week.

My house is a mess.

I will now make dinner.

the end

From Iowa, with love

We are here.

M does not believe we are in Iowa.

"We not in Iowa!!!!!"

She also has a problem with open doors - a problem when unpacking.

I said:

"M is slightly OCD about doors."

M said:

"I AM NOT A CD!!!!!"

E is turning into a Disney princess due to too much movie watching... complete with sass and quick one-liners. I am ready to be done with movies, but they keep us sane while boxes come undone.

GQ only wants a friend. Someone to hold him, and love him, and acknowledge that he exists, and not create barriers of boxes around him so that he doesn't get into anything.

What's wrong with chewing cords, he asks?
What's wrong with playing with outlets, he asks?
What's wrong with falling full tilt down the stairs?

Tomorrow is Sunday, and I am so glad that we will have a rest from our labors.

And on that point, an ode to the Elder's Quorum....

Oh, Elder's Quorum,
Oh, Elder's Quorum,
thanks for risking death for me,
I promise you,
when I move again,
I will try to have money to pay someone.

The end...

I would tell you what I think about Iowa, but since I pretty much hang out in my house in my pajamas unloading boxes, I am very much of the impression that I am still in good ol' SLC.

The mountains are just hiding from me.

Sigh.

At a KOA in Williams, Arizona

It is not hot anymore.

Thank goodness.

Took a cute picture of the kids eating dinner at the table... GQ stuck in the crib next to us.

E couldn't wait to go to bed because they have a bunk bed. Here's hoping she doesn't fall off tonight.