Saying goodbye to the Larsen's. We were one of the last med school families of our group to leave so I was around to say goodbye to each of them, really sad, it would have been much better to be the first to leave.
Saying goodbye to Daisy. Leila and Daisy were the best of friends and I just loved Daisy's mom Ali. This goodbye just broke my heart, it's hard to watch your kids have to say goodbye to friends and worry about meeting new friends. And it was especially hard because Leila understood what was going on.
Packing our 26 foot truck. Packing a truck is miserable. And don't worry we filled all 26 feet.
Saying goodbye to Abby, but this one wasn't too sad because they are only living less than 2 hours from us and we have seen them every month since we moved
Our good friends the Gourley's gave us these Nerf guns so that we could always remember them when we played with them. About a year ago we were all hanging out in the neighborhood with several of the neighborhood families and we had a pretty funny conversation about Nerf guns and Carly knew how happy these guns would make Paul so it was a pretty thoughtful gift. Man I miss our neighborhood and playing out side with all the kids.
Ugh.... packing is the worst.
We seriously have the best ward. I couldn't believe how many men, women, youth and kids showed up to help us pack our truck. I was so overwhelmed I almost broke down in tears but held it together to get the job done. They had our truck packed so fast, it was such a huge blessing.
One last picture before I pulled out of the house to head to Utah, it was really bittersweet.
And if I didn't show a goodbye picture of you it's not because I don't love you or miss you it's just because I'm not that great at taking pictures or I emotionally couldn't bring myself to get a good bye picture because I didn't want to face the reality of actually moving.
Henderson treated us well especially our Shadow Canyon Ward. It became our home away from home and our family when our actually family was too far away. I felt safe there and knew I always had many many people looking out for me and my family. What I wouldn't give to see some of these friends right now.
When we got to Utah we had a BBQ with our friends and family. It was much easier to do it this way then try to set up visits with everybody especially since we only had about two days in Utah. Saying goodbye at this party was especially hard. I just hate goodbyes but it was good to be able to get together and see so many friends for one last goodbye.
Paul and my dad left with the truck early on Monday June 4th. My mom and I left with the kids later that morning (we really should have left earlier). The drive was long but the kids did pretty well. They were entertained by movies and books and snacks. Asher was the hardest because he doesn't have much to entertain him but doesn't want to sleep all day plus I was still nursing him. Potty breaks always took a long time, by the time everyone went to the bathroom, we got gas, let the kids run around for a bit, fed Asher and then got everyone buckled back up and situated with snacks and movies it was usually at least 30 minutes. We didn't get to the hotel until about 3 am plus I got pulled over (I was going a little fast like 83 in a 75) But the officer was really nice and only gave me a warning, thank goodness. We stayed in Lincoln Nebraska and everyone slept great (we were so tired). Paul and my dad again left early so that Paul could get to the closing on our house. As my mom and I were about to leave we got a call that I was suppose to be at the closing too. We hurried to get to Des Moines and meet with the closing team. The closing went smoothly and then we headed to our new house to get the truck unloaded. One of the resident's wives in Paul's program ( they also happen to be in our ward) offered to watch the kids so we could get the truck unloaded. That made life so much easier. Our new wards Elders Quorum showed up to help us unload and again they had it unloaded in like 30 minutes. We are so grateful for our new and old wards, and for how the church is organized.
Taking a break and enjoying some time outside of his car seat.
The kids finding ways to entertain themselves on the drive.
So overall the move went smoothly and we didn't encounter any big problems. We are happy here in Iowa and truly know this is where we are suppose to be.
