AZ or bust! (a little bit early!)

Okay, so I owe my seminary friends an apology! You are probably a bit confused, but any of you that have kids will understand. There we were packing, in our tiny apt (again, u guys can relate!) and it was windy and rainy so the kids were stuck inside. Every time I went into one of the bedrooms and came out Noah's feet were sticking out of a different box upside down because he had climbed into one and gotten stuck. Grace was starting to cry at anything because her whole world was being put into boxes. Sunday night Steve turned to me and said, "you know, it might just be easier if you just take the kids to my moms house now." At first it sounded crazy, but after looking at it, we would save over $1000 if I just drove the kids instead of flying, and they would get to be with their grandparents having fun instead of stressing out in our tiny packed apt. So on a whim I packed our suitcases and off we went. It turned out to be so good for them, although so sad for me. (I will either come back with Steve at the end of April or during his week long session in August to see all of you guys then!) The kids didn't cry once during the 13 hour straight drive, although since Grace seranaded me with her new recorder and Noah with his keyboard, I shed a few tears :) The kids had a blast with his parents for that week, and by the time Steve got here a week later I had a chance to get our house all prepped for the move-in. It was nice not having too much stuff to move into the house- I know you always accumulate stuff, but hopefully we can keep the furniture to a minimum for awhile. I did have to find a dining room table, but I am so excited that I found one on craigslist for $40. I am going to sand and refinish it! Steve started working right away, two days after he got here. It has been such a blessing that there was a need at his families company that he has been able to fill, although I know it was hard for him to not take a break after the move. The kids and I have already joined the zoo and the children's museum here where we go several times a week. Grace has been very happy to be reunited with "her Dallas" (her best buddy here.) She still prays for baby Carsyn and asks why Ms. Megan can't teach at her school this coming fall. Although it has been sad, I really feel like the kids are thriving here. Noah was given a good checkup at the doctor here and he is now off of all of his meds (even his breathing treatments!) We really look forward to seeing all of our Mill Valley friends when we go back for Steve's school, and we hope that if you are ever in the area, or want to visit the valley of the sun, that you will come stay with us! (I recommend the winter time as it is already in the mid nineties now.) I miss you all so much and brag about what great friends we made in Mill valley often!